Sailing Performance & Handling
The Westerly 28 was designed during a period of transition, moving away from the heavy, "pocket ship" logic of earlier models toward a faster, close-winded profile. According to technical archives from the Westerly Owners Association, the hull features an unusually aft-mounted fin keel, which concentrates buoyancy forward. This configuration provides the boat with a balanced feel on the helm and a surprising degree of agility for a 1960s cruiser.
With a displacement of approximately 7,000 lbs and a ballast ratio near 40%, the 28 is remarkably stiff. In heavy air, the boat tracks with precision, a characteristic often attributed to its deep-chested sections and substantial iron keel. While early brochures marketed a 7hp Volvo MD1 diesel, which many owners found underpowered for punching into headseas, the sailing rig is generous enough to keep the boat moving in light airs where bilge-keeled contemporaries might struggle. Handling anecdotes from the Laurent Giles Archive suggest that while the 28 wasn't as popular as the later Centaur, its "lively performance" made it the choice for the "racing enthusiast" of the late sixties.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The interior of the Westerly 28 was considered revolutionary for its time, utilizing the extra volume of the 28-foot hull to provide a level of privacy rare in "pocket cruisers." The standard layout offered six berths, utilizing an "asymmetrical" forward cabin where one berth extended to seven feet. Between the cabins, a separate head compartment was positioned to starboard with a hanging locker opposite; the door to the heads was designed to pivot, serving as a bulkhead to completely separate the forecabin from the main saloon.
Westerly offered two primary configurations for the main cabin. The most common was the "dinette layout," featuring a port-side table that converted into a double berth, leaving a straight settee and galley to starboard. A second "four-berth" variant focused more on sea-going practicality, replacing the dinette with two full-length settees and a dedicated chart table. Headroom is a standout feature, exceeding six feet throughout much of the saloon, which was quite a feat for a boat of this length in 1967. The use of foam-backed vinyl for the headlinings—a hallmark of early Westerly builds—provided excellent insulation, though it has become a primary maintenance point for modern buyers.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
- Keel Bolts and GRP Stress: The original Westerly 28 design initially called for a moulded-in lead keel, but production models switched to a bolted-on iron keel. Potential buyers should inspect the internal keel root and floor timbers for "crazing" or stress cracks, particularly given the high-leverage nature of the deep fin keel.
- Sagging Headlinings: Like almost all Westerlys of this vintage, the foam-backed vinyl headlinings eventually degrade, causing the material to sag or "drape" over the interior. Replacement is a labor-intensive project often cited as the first major task for new owners.
- Original Engine Limitations: Many hulls were originally fitted with the single-cylinder Volvo MD1 or early Petter diesels. These are often at the end of their operational life or lack the power required for modern safety standards in tidal waters. Check if the vessel has been re-powered with a 15–20hp modern unit.
- Deck Core Integrity: While the hulls are solid GRP, the decks utilize a balsa core in some sections for stiffness. Inspect for "soft spots" around the mast step and chainplates where water ingress may have caused delamination.
Community & Resources
The primary hub for technical data and owner support is the Westerly Owners Association, which maintains a comprehensive technical library of original brochures and manual PDFs. While no longer in production, the model's lineage is also documented through the Laurent Giles Archive, which provides historical context on how the "John Butler range" paved the way for the later, more famous Giles designs.
The Verdict
The Westerly 28 is a robust, overbuilt cruiser that offers a more rewarding sailing experience than the "caravan-style" bilge keelers of the 1970s. While rare, it represents excellent value for sailors who prioritize sea-kindliness and interior volume on a budget.
Pros:
- Exceptional headroom (6ft+) for a boat of this age and size.
- Capable offshore performance with a proven racing pedigree.
- Clever interior layout with a truly separate head compartment.
Cons:
- Original engines are often underpowered and nearing failure.
- Sagging headlinings are a near-certainty on unrestored models.
- The deep fin keel (4' 4") limits access to the shallow drying harbors favored by later bilge-keel Westerlys.
