Ocean 43 (Westerly) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Westerly Ocean 43 entered production in 1997, marking it as one of the last designs to be launched before Westerly Marine Ltd. ceased trading around the year 2000. This makes the Ocean 43 a significant, albeit limited, part of the yard's legacy, with only 10 units built during its short production run. The design was penned by Ron Holland, a naval architect known for his innovative approach, reportedly utilizing computer-aided design techniques for the Ocean 43. Her design emphasized a balance between sailing performance and spacious living, catering to a market segment looking for comfortable long-distance cruising.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Westerly Ocean 43's design ratios suggest a yacht engineered for comfortable, stable cruising rather than outright racing speed. Her Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of 17.04 indicates reasonably good performance, ensuring she is not underpowered, particularly in a cruising context. A robust Ballast to Displacement ratio of 40.74% points to a stiff and stable hull, capable of standing up to stronger winds and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. With a Displacement to Length (Disp./Len.) ratio of 286.69, the Ocean 43 falls into the medium-heavy displacement category, further reinforcing her identity as a solid, comfortable cruiser.

Anecdotal reports highlight the Ocean 43's excellent sailing performance and her well-mannered handling characteristics. She is noted for an easy-tacking furling headsail, making her manageable for short-handed sailing, and is often described as having a small foretriangle complemented by a powerful main. This combination contributes to her reputation as a reliable and comfortable vessel in various sea states.

Accommodations and Layout

The Westerly Ocean 43 is celebrated for its spacious accommodations, a key feature that underscores its design for comfortable long-distance and family cruising. The typical interior arrangement for the Ocean 43 includes a versatile "3 Cabin - 2 Heads" configuration. This layout provides ample private living spaces, crucial for extended periods aboard with family or guests. The emphasis on generous space allows for comfortable movement throughout the boat and offers significant storage, enhancing its suitability for lengthy voyages. The interior finish, while not extensively detailed in public records, would generally align with the practical and robust standards expected from Westerly, designed for durability and functionality at sea.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Westerly Ocean 43 generally regard the vessel as a "decent boat," often choosing it for its perceived reliability and suitability for blue water sailing. Many examples have been thoroughly refitted by their owners for global cruising, attesting to their inherent capabilities and the confidence owners place in them for long voyages. Owners often emphasize the importance of finding a boat in good condition with a high level of equipment, given the model's age. While specific recurring weaknesses are not widely reported, the collective sentiment suggests a robust and capable cruiser that, with proper maintenance, continues to be a cherished vessel within the sailing community, with resources available through associations like the Westerly Owners Association.