Westerly 28 Information, Review, Specs

The Westerly 28 marked a significant point in Westerly Marine Construction Ltd.'s production lineage. Established in March 1963 in Hampshire, England, Westerly Marine Construction quickly became a leading European builder of fiberglass sailboats, focusing on sturdy and reliable designs. The company prided itself on crafting "well built" yachts that appealed to the growing UK leisure yachting industry. The Westerly 28, introduced in 1967, was one of the first in a line of single-keel boats from Westerly, designed to appeal to those seeking a more performance-oriented profile than the popular bilge-keeled models. While primarily offered with a fin keel for enhanced sailing performance, the Westerly 28 was also notably available with a triple keel option, catering to the need for shallow draft and the ability to dry out on tidal moorings. This adaptability reflects Westerly's commitment to versatile designs. John A. Butler's design philosophy for the Westerly 28 aimed to create a boat with generous interior volume for its size, contributing to its reputation for comfortable accommodation.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Westerly 28, with its masthead sloop rig, delivers a balanced and predictable sailing experience. Its Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/Disp) of approximately 16.5 suggests a moderate performer, capable of handling a variety of wind conditions without being overly tender or underpowered. This ratio indicates that the boat is well-suited for comfortable cruising, offering a good balance between sail-carrying ability and ease of handling. With a Ballast to Displacement ratio (Bal/Disp) of around 0.38, the Westerly 28 demonstrates reasonable stability and stiffness, enabling it to stand up to a decent breeze without excessive heeling.

The Displacement to Length ratio (Disp/LWL) of approximately 293.5 places the Westerly 28 firmly in the category of a heavier, more traditional cruiser. This weight contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway, making it less susceptible to the chop and providing a more stable platform for offshore or coastal passages. Reports from its era indicate that the accommodation layout was specifically designed to ensure "sail-handling is easy and safe". While specific details on its balance and behavior in different sea states are not extensively documented in available snippets, the general reputation of Westerly yachts for their solid construction and seaworthiness suggests a boat that handles predictably and inspires confidence.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length overall of just over 28 feet, the Westerly 28 was designed to maximize interior volume, offering surprising comfort and practicality for its size. Information suggests a "spacious saloon" featuring a dinette layout that "easily converts to doublé berth". The interior typically includes a V-berth forward, a main saloon with opposing settees or a dinette, a galley area, and a separate head compartment. While specific details on maximum headroom are not available in the provided data, early Westerly designs, including the 28, were known for prioritizing functional and "simple, open plan layouts". The overall finish quality in Westerly boats of this era generally reflects a focus on durability and practicality, often featuring robust joinery and a blend of fiberglass and wood trim. Storage solutions would typically include lockers and shelving integrated into the saloon and cabins, aiming to cater to the needs of cruising couples or small families.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Westerly yachts, including the 28, often speak highly of their solid construction and robust build quality, which has contributed to their longevity. A dedicated community exists through the Westerly Owners Association, providing a valuable resource for information, advice, and shared experiences among owners. While specific common problems for the Westerly 28 are not widely detailed in general discussions, typical issues across older fiberglass boats, such as aging original deck fittings that may require re-bedding, or maintenance of the original engine (in this case, a Volvo Penta) are to be expected. Owners frequently appreciate the Westerly 28's ability to handle various conditions comfortably and its general seaworthiness, making it a reliable choice for those seeking a dependable cruising platform.