Westerly Cirrus 22 Buyer's Guide
The Westerly Cirrus 22 is a late-1960s John Butler design built by Westerly Marine Ltd in 398 examples between 1968 and 1972, a 22-foot fin-keel masthead sloop with a cast-iron keel and transom-hung rudder. On the used market she appeals to owners wanting a trailerable small cruiser with an enclosed head and a real galley — but water intrusion at the companionway woodwork demands a careful look before purchase.
Layouts on the Used Market
The standard interior runs vee-berth forward, a heads area, then a saloon with settee berths and a compact galley; some boats add a tight quarter berth to port. A 6-foot sailor can stand below, and the boat carries a surprising amount of stowage for her length. The cockpit is deep enough to feel secure, and the cabin top is shaped to drain, with a sea hood at the companionway. Note the ports are large for daylight but do not open, so ventilation relies on the forehatch and companionway unless opening ports were fitted.
Equipment and Common Upgrades
A dodger and an autopilot are commonly fitted on brokerage boats, useful for sheltered-cockpit comfort and short-handed steering. Propulsion varies: a few originals carried Stuart Turner petrol inboards, while many have been converted to outboard well or small diesel — the Volvo Penta MD1 diesel appears in the known specification set. Otherwise, expect decent hardware and sails that on lightly used examples remain in great condition.
What to Inspect
Substantial softening affects the timber lining the companionway bulkhead, and the surrounding wood needs replacement companionway wood water damage. A cross member at the bottom shows rot from moisture, and the lazarette covers are wooden units requiring renewal, as is the cockpit grate. Check also the overhead hatch — one owner repaired his in lexan or plexiglass — and confirm it does not leak. These are localized joinery failures rather than structural hull defects, but they trace a clear path for water into the cabin.
Availability and Buyer's Takeaway
The Cirrus 22 is typically found in the United Kingdom. For a shopper, the short list is: confirm companionway and cockpit wood are dry or already renewed; verify the mast hinge and mainsail feed system work; check propulsion conversion quality; and assess sail and hardware condition relative to use. A sound example rewards with steady handling and a layout rare at this size.
- Inspect companionway bulkhead wood and cockpit grate for rot
- Confirm lazarette covers and overhead hatch integrity
- Verify mast hinge and transom propulsion setup
- Expect basic ventilation unless opening ports added