Westerly Conway 36 Sailboat Review, Specs, and Listings

Design and Construction

Early Mk I Conways were functional but relied on a good deal of exposed GRP inner mouldings. The later Mk II boats address this with a much more inviting atmosphere thanks to a handsome all‑wood interior.

The hull itself proved versatile: the centre‑cockpit deck also appeared on the twin‑keel Solway, while aft‑cockpit derivatives — the fin‑keel Medway and bilge‑keel Galway — share the same basic underbody and rig choices. Construction throughout is typical Westerly: solid, heavy‑duty laminate work that inspires confidence in a seaway.

On Deck and Rig

Wide side decks make moving fore and aft straightforward, and the centre cockpit feels deep enough to be secure without being punishing at sea. A distinctive practical touch is the mast tabernacle, which allows the spar to be lowered for bridges or canal work. Cockpit lockers latch with the sturdy fittings Westerly owners have come to expect, and the deep lazarette provides generous storage as well as access to the engine space.

Interior and Accommodations

Saloon headroom is a comfortable 6 feet 3 inches and the settee berths stretch to 6 feet 4 inches, giving genuine sea‑berth options. The real surprise is the aft cabin: the double is 6 feet fore‑and‑aft and 7 feet 6 inches wide at the forward end, proportions that are rare on a 36‑footer and make the master cabin genuinely liveable.

The galley is where compromises show most clearly. It is compact, with the sink set in a cabinet that overhangs the settee, making that berth awkward to use and limiting worktop space. The head compartment is similarly tight, though most owners accept this as the price paid for the generous aft cabin. On this layout the fixed saloon table is sometimes removed because it impedes movement in that tight space, and a bulkhead‑mounted diesel heater, when fitted, can further eat into the seating area.

Under Sail and Power

A high ballast ratio gives the Conway a stable, stiff character that lets her carry sail well into a fresh breeze without feeling tender. She will never be a light‑air flyer, but her motion at sea is comparatively comfortable and the helm remains predictable in a blow. The design's capsize‑screening figure points to a vessel that is genuinely suited to offshore passages, a reassuring trait for crews who plan to stray beyond coastal waters.

Most boats were fitted with a Mercedes OM636 diesel rated at 42 hp, a unit that enjoys a well‑earned reputation for durability, though a few later examples carried a 36 hp Volvo alternative.

Known Issues and Considerations

The deep lazarette doubles as an engine room, and on some Conways the door from the aft cabin opens directly into that space — a configuration that raises concerns about downflooding if the lid were ever left unlatched in heavy seas. Galley storage is minimal by liveaboard standards, and the low passageway to the aft cabin demands constant ducking. As with any yacht of this vintage, the original engine will likely have considerable hours, though the Mercedes unit's inherent toughness gives some reassurance. The saloon can feel compromised when a fixed table and heater are both present, though the layout can be adapted by owners who prefer additional seating.

The Verdict

The Westerly Conway 36 is a rugged, comfortable cruiser that delivers a surprising amount of space in her aft cabin while retaining seamanlike handling. She will not win any races, but she excels at the kind of relaxed, confident sailing that makes a passage feel shorter. Her ketch rig and tabernacle mast add practical flexibility, though the cramped galley and the lazarette access need to be weighed by anyone planning extended liveaboard use. For the sailor seeking a well‑built, centre‑cockpit classic that can handle offshore work without drama, the Conway remains a compelling candidate.

Pros