Merlin 28 (Westerly) Information, Review, Specs

Crafted by a builder celebrated for dominating the UK leisure yachting industry with well-built vessels, the Merlin 28 embodies Westerly's commitment to creating dependable and accommodating yachts for the cruising sailor.

The Westerly Merlin 28 entered production in 1984, continuing until 1990, with 151 units built during its run. Designed by Ed Dubois, the Merlin was conceived to offer a modern-styled yacht that did not compromise on accommodation or sailing prowess. Dubois's philosophy often centered on creating boats that "wrap around their lifestyle," emphasizing a balance of performance, privacy, and comfort.

Westerly Yachts, during this era, was known for its robust construction methods, and the Merlin 28 was no exception, benefiting from solid fiberglass hull construction. A significant innovation for its size, the Merlin was the first design where Westerly successfully incorporated a three-cabin layout into a yacht just under 28 feet overall. This model also featured variations, including options for twin or bilge keels, which had a shallower draft of approximately 3.36 feet compared to the standard fin keel's 5.02 feet, and a slightly higher ballast. Towards the end of its production, with an extended stern, the Merlin 28 evolved into the Merlin 29. While minor layout changes might have occurred, the overall interior dimensions remained consistent between the 28 and 29-foot versions.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Merlin 28 offers a balanced blend of cruising comfort and responsive sailing characteristics. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of 16.74, she suggests a moderate performance cruiser, capable of good speeds in a variety of conditions without being overly demanding. This ratio indicates she is likely to perform adequately in lighter winds while remaining manageable as the breeze picks up.

Her Ballast to Displacement ratio of 38.82% points to a good level of initial stability, allowing her to stand up to a fair amount of wind and provide a comfortable motion in a seaway. Owners often praise her solid construction and ability to handle various sea states effectively. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of 260.65 places the Merlin 28 firmly in the medium-heavy cruiser category, suggesting a boat that offers a comfortable ride and tracks well, albeit not a light-displacement racer. Anecdotal evidence suggests the Merlin 28 sails "a lot better" than some of its contemporaries, demonstrating good upwind performance, especially in its bilge-keel variant.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite her compact length overall of 27.06 feet, the Merlin 28 is remarkably spacious, known for being one of the first yachts of its size to successfully offer a three-cabin accommodation for up to seven people. The interior layout is cleverly designed to maximize space and privacy. While specific headroom details are not widely published, the design emphasizes comfort.

The typical interior arrangement includes a V-berth forward, often followed by a head compartment. The main saloon usually features opposing settees that can convert into berths, alongside a galley and navigation station. A notable design choice is the aft-facing chart table, which allows for the inclusion of a proper wet locker, a practical feature for offshore cruising. Aft, the yacht typically provides a quarter berth or an aft cabin, contributing to the impressive berth count. Later models of the Merlin 28 often featured teak veneers for the internal woodwork, providing a warm and traditional finish. The deck layout is also designed for a safe working platform, reflecting a thoughtful approach to both interior living and on-deck functionality.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Westerly Merlin 28 frequently commend its robust construction and dependable nature, hallmarks of Westerly Yachts' build quality. Many appreciate the innovative three-cabin layout, which delivers exceptional accommodation and privacy for a yacht of its size, making it a popular choice for cruising families. The Merlin's sailing performance is generally well-regarded, with owners noting its comfortable motion in a seaway and respectable handling characteristics, particularly the improved upwind performance of the Ed Dubois-designed bilge keelers.

However, some owners have noted that certain areas, such as the forward ends of the saloon berths, can feel a "bit cramped." As with many boats of its vintage, recurring maintenance considerations might include the re-bedding of original deck fittings to prevent leaks. Overall, the Westerly Merlin 28 is considered a solid, well-performing cruiser that offers significant comfort and accommodation for its length, making it a valued vessel among its owners.