Pentland 32 (Westerly) Information, Review, Specs

Westerly Marine Construction Ltd., founded in March 1963 in the UK, became one of Europe's leading fiberglass sailboat builders by the mid-1960s, known for their durable and seaworthy vessels. The Pentland 32 was part of a prolific era for Westerly, with production commencing in 1973 and continuing until 1980, during which 241 units were built.

The Pentland 32 is a notable member of the "Westerly 31 family," which includes the Berwick, Longbow, and Renown, all sharing the same fundamental hull design by Laurent Giles. Laurent Giles, a prominent British yacht designer, was known for his scientific approach to yacht design and his contribution to the evolution of cruising yacht aesthetics. His philosophy often centered on creating yachts that were easy to handle, even single-handedly. The Pentland 32 specifically features a twin keel configuration and a center cockpit layout, distinguishing it from some of its sister models which offered aft cockpits or fin keels. Owners had the option of a masthead sloop or a ketch rig, with the ketch configuration being a popular choice at the time for its perceived ease of short-handed sailing.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a displacement of 10,935 lbs and a length overall of 32.5 feet, the Pentland 32 is characterized as a heavy displacement cruiser. Its sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of 12.12 suggests that it is not a performance-oriented racer, but rather a vessel designed for steady, comfortable progress. This ratio indicates that while it may not excel in light air, it is likely to be robust in stronger winds.

The Pentland 32's ballast to displacement ratio (Bal/D) of approximately 0.40 (4435 lbs ballast / 10935 lbs displacement) points to a stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up well to a blow and offering a comfortable motion in a seaway. Its twin keel design, providing a maximum draft of 3.61 feet, contributes to its excellent initial stability and offers the advantage of being able to dry out on tidal moorings, a common benefit for UK-built boats. Owners generally report that the Pentland 32's sailing performance is "steady rather than exciting" but note that it is "not as slow as some people think" and is a "good seaworthy boat." The hull speed is calculated at 6.7 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

The center cockpit design of the Westerly Pentland 32 allows for a practical and often spacious interior layout, especially providing separation between the main salon and an aft cabin. The interior is known for offering "very comfortable accommodation" with "plenty of space & headroom in 3 cabins." While the maximum headroom is not specified in all details, the layout typically features a forward V-berth, a main salon with a dinette that often converts to additional berths, a galley, and a head.

A key feature is the separate aft cabin, which, while offering privacy, is noted by owners to be relatively small with about 4'6" of headroom, making it suitable for children or as additional storage. Overall, the Pentland 32 is designed to provide ample accommodation, often configured to sleep up to seven people across its various cabins, making it well-suited for family cruising. The finish quality, typical of Westerlys of the era, generally featured solid fiberglass construction.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Westerly Pentland 32 often praise its robust construction and the sense of security it instills, particularly in rougher conditions. The boat's stability and comfortable motion are frequently highlighted as strengths, making it a popular choice for those prioritizing safety and comfort over raw speed. The spacious interior, particularly the separate sleeping areas, is also a highly valued feature for families or those cruising with guests.

However, common considerations for boats of this vintage often include maintenance of the original components. Owners have noted that "Westerly keels were piss poor quality iron" in some instances, implying potential issues with corrosion over time. Additionally, as with many older vessels, "common problems" can arise, which often include the tendency for original deck fittings to develop leaks, necessitating re-bedding. Some owners also express a dislike for the design of the pulpit, suggesting it might benefit from additional stiffening. Despite these potential maintenance items, the Westerly Pentland 32 maintains a reputation as a reliable and capable cruising yacht among its owners.