Westerly Centaur 26 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Centaur 26 was specifically engineered to overcome the sluggish performance typical of early bilge-keelers. Laurent Giles employed a "toed-in" and splayed keel configuration, which allows the leeward keel to sit more vertically when the boat is heeled, significantly improving lift and windward performance. While it is not a spirited racer—the Yachting Monthly review notes it is not the most close-winded of boats—it is remarkably stable and seaworthy for its size.

With a displacement of roughly 6,700 lbs and a modest sail area/displacement ratio of 15.1, the Centaur feels like a much larger, heavier vessel under sail. It tracks reasonably well but can develop significant weather helm if not reefed early. Its primary strength lies in its ability to handle "estuary crawling" and drying out on tidal moorings, where it sits upright and stable on its twin cast-iron keels. For those seeking better upwind performance at the cost of drying-out capability, the Westerly Pembroke was produced as a fin-keel sibling on the identical hull. Another variant, the Westerly Chieftain, utilized the same 26-foot hull but featured a center-cockpit and aft-cabin configuration.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Centaur 26 was a revelation at the 1969 London Boat Show, offering a full 6 feet of standing headroom in the main saloon. The boat was produced with three primary interior layouts to suit different cruising styles. According to technical archives from the Westerly Owners Association, these are categorized as:

• Layout A: Features a "railway-style" dinette to port with a linear galley to starboard. It includes two quarter berths and a V-berth forward, providing up to six berths.
• Layout B: The most popular configuration, utilizing an L-shaped dinette to port, which creates a more open social space.
• Layout C: A less common arrangement featuring two longitudinal settee berths in the saloon, often favored by those who prefer a traditional sea-going layout over a dinette.

The transition between the saloon and the forward V-berth is bridged by a full-width heads compartment (toilet) and a hanging locker, a luxury rarely seen in 26-footers of that era. Despite its age, the use of a one-piece internal GRP molding gives the cabin a clean, modern feel, though the original vinyl headlinings are a known maintenance point.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Centaur’s cultural footprint is massive in the UK sailing community. It is the star of the long-running YouTube series Keep Turning Left by Dylan Winter, who famously circumnavigated the UK in a Centaur named The Slug. Winter’s voyages highlighted the boat's incredible utility as a "budget" cruiser capable of reaching corners of the coast inaccessible to deeper-draft vessels. The model is also featured in numerous sailing memoirs and is frequently cited in Practical Boat Owner as the quintessential "first proper yacht" for families.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus on three critical areas identified by long-term owners and surveyors:

1. The "Keel Smile" and Reinforcement: Many early Centaurs suffered from flexing in the hull-to-keel joint, particularly if kept on soft mud drying moorings where suction forces are high. Check for cracking around the keel stubs internally. Most boats have since been reinforced with transverse GRP webs, a modification supported by the manufacturer.
2. The "Westerly Droop": The original foam-backed vinyl headlining is notorious for the foam disintegrating over time, causing the vinyl to sag. Look for boats where this has been professionally replaced or repaired with wooden laths.
3. Engine Longevity: Many Centaurs still carry their original Volvo Penta MD2B or MD11C engines. While robust, parts are becoming scarce and expensive. Modernized examples with Beta Marine or Yanmar replacements carry a significant price premium.
4. Window Sealing: The large, iconic portlights are prone to leaking if the original seals have perished, which can lead to damage in the interior woodwork.

Community & Resources

The Westerly Owners Association (WOA) is the largest single-brand yacht association in the world and serves as the definitive technical resource for the Centaur 26. They maintain an extensive wiki and archive of original brochures, maintenance guides, and reinforcement diagrams that are essential for any owner.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Remarkable interior space and 6ft standing headroom.
• Twin keels allow for low-cost drying moorings and shallow-water exploration.
• Exceptionally robust construction with a thick GRP hull.
• Massive community support and high resale liquidity.

Cons:

• Lacks the windward performance and agility of modern fin-keelers.
• Original "Westerly Droop" headlining is a messy, time-consuming fix.
• Original engines are often nearing the end of their service life.