Finot Wegu 701 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Wegu 701 exhibits the characteristic "stiff" behavior common to Finot designs of the era. The boat features a fin keel and a transom-hung rudder, a combination that provides responsive steering and a tight turning radius. With a draft of approximately 1.45 meters, the 701 possesses enough bite to windward to outpoint many of its heavier, full-keeled peers. The hull’s wide waterline beam contributes to high initial stability, meaning the boat resists heeling in light to moderate breezes, which is a comforting trait for family sailors.

Technical assessments from the period suggest that while it is not a pure racing machine, its sail area-to-displacement ratio is generous enough to keep the boat moving in light air. In heavier conditions, the transom-hung rudder remains effective, though, like many boats with wide sterns, it requires timely reefing to prevent excessive weather helm. Owners often report that the boat tracks well off the wind, thanks to the buoyancy in the aft sections, which prevents the stern from "squatting" when pushed.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel of its size, the interior of the Wegu 701 is remarkably well-considered. The Finot design maximizes the 2.50-meter beam to provide four berths: a double V-berth forward and two generous quarter berths or settee berths in the main cabin. The layout is utilitarian but effective, often featuring a compact galley area with a two-burner stove and a small sink located near the companionway for ventilation.

The use of molded fiberglass liners (a specialty of Wegu’s parent company) allowed for a clean, low-maintenance interior finish. While headroom is limited compared to modern "standing room" cruisers, the 701 offers more vertical space than many 23-footers of the early 1970s. Variations of the model were primarily seen in the rigging and keel configurations; while the fin keel was standard for performance, some versions were adapted for shallower European lakes. The boat shares much of its DNA with the Rubin 23, another Wegu model, though the 701 is generally regarded as having the more sophisticated hull lines due to the Finot pedigree.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Wegu 701 should focus their inspections on the structural integration of the keel and the condition of the fiberglass laminate. As these boats are now several decades old, several common "gotchas" have emerged:

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, the Wegu 701 uses a cored deck. Moisture ingress through poorly sealed deck hardware (stanchions, cleats, or winches) can lead to delamination. A thorough "tap test" with a plastic hammer is recommended to identify soft spots.
• Rudder Gudgeons and Pintles: Because the rudder is transom-hung, the mounting hardware is under constant stress. Over time, the fiberglass around the mounting points can craze or weaken. Buyers should check for excessive play in the rudder bearings.
• Keel-to-Hull Joint: The fin keel is bolted to a reinforced section of the hull. It is vital to inspect the "smile" at the leading edge of the keel-hull joint, which can indicate movement or the need for new keel bolts.
• Window Seals: The large side ports are a hallmark of the 701’s bright interior but are prone to leaking if the original rubber seals have perished. Evidence of water staining on the interior liner is a clear sign that resealing is required.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Wegu 701 often find support within broader trailer-sailer and Finot-design enthusiast groups. While Wegu no longer produces marine vessels, technical drawings and original design specifications remain accessible through the Groupe Finot technical site, which maintains a dedicated section for their historical "Anciens Bateaux." In Canada, the vessel retains a small but loyal following among sailors on the Great Lakes, where Wegu’s Whitby-based manufacturing left a lasting footprint.

The Verdict

The Wegu 701 is a clever, well-built cruiser that offers a high level of design sophistication for its size. It remains an excellent choice for sailors who want a manageable, trailerable boat that doesn't feel cramped or sluggish.

Pros:

• Proven Pedigree: Designed by the world-class firm Groupe Finot.
• Spacious Interior: Exceptional volume and berth capacity for a 23-foot boat.
• Balanced Handling: Stiff and predictable, making it ideal for new and intermediate sailors.

Cons:

• Age-Related Maintenance: Cored decks and old window seals will likely require attention.
• Limited Headroom: While good for its class, it is not a full-standing-headroom vessel.
• Market Rarity: Finding well-preserved examples can be difficult as production ended decades ago.