Westerly Falcon 34 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Falcon 34 was designed to provide a stiff and stable platform capable of handling the rigors of the English Channel. With a displacement-to-length ratio that sits firmly in the "moderate" category, the boat feels purposeful and predictable. Unlike earlier Westerlys that often favored heavy displacement and high initial stability, the Falcon 34 features a more modern hull form with a finer entry and a flatter run aft. This allows the boat to track exceptionally well, even when pressed in a gust.

As noted in historical technical reviews by Yachting Monthly, the boat’s performance is largely dictated by its keel configuration. While a fin keel version was offered for maximum lift and windward performance, a significant number of Falcons were built with twin (bilge) keels. This "shallow-draft" option allows the vessel to dry out upright on a tide—a popular feature for coastal cruising in areas with high tidal ranges. Despite the added drag of the twin keels, the Dubois hull remains surprisingly nimble. Owners often report that the boat "finds its groove" at about 15 to 20 degrees of heel, where it becomes remarkably balanced, requiring minimal helm correction.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Falcon 34 was a revelation for its time, utilizing the yacht's 12-foot beam to create a living space that feels significantly larger than its 34-foot length suggests. The layout typically features two private cabins: a V-berth forward and a surprisingly generous aft cabin tucked under the cockpit sole on the port side. The use of light wood—often ash or light teak—alongside large coachroof windows creates an airy atmosphere, a departure from the "dark cave" interiors of earlier decades.

The Falcon 34 is part of a broader family of siblings built on the same hull. The most notable relative is the Westerly Seahawk 34, which utilized the exact same hull but featured a center-cockpit layout. While the Seahawk offered a massive "great cabin" aft, the Falcon 34’s aft-cockpit design is generally preferred by active sailors for its more direct steering linkage and lower boom height. Later in the production run, the model evolved into the Falcon 35, which incorporated an integrated sugar-scoop bathing platform, though the core interior geometry remained largely the same.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Westerly Falcon 34 has long been a favorite subject for "used boat" features in British yachting media. It is frequently cited as a benchmark for the "1980s cruiser" category. Technical documentation and historical overviews of the model's development can be found through the Westerly Owners Association, which maintains the most comprehensive archive of Dubois-designed Westerly specifications and performance data.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Falcon 34 with an awareness of common aging issues specific to Westerly builds of this era.

1. Interior Headlining: The most notorious "Westerly sag" occurs when the foam backing of the vinyl headlining degrades, causing the fabric to droop throughout the cabin. This is a labor-intensive cosmetic repair that many owners eventually face.
2. Engine Longevity: Most Falcons were originally fitted with the Volvo Penta 2003 series engine. While reliable, these units are reaching the end of their service life and parts can be expensive. Check for smoke on cold starts and signs of saltwater leaks around the heat exchanger.
3. Osmotic Blistering: While Westerlys were built with thick laminates, the 1980s was a period where gelcoat technology was still evolving. A moisture meter test and a visual inspection of the hull for "wicking" or blisters are essential during a survey.
4. Keel Bolts: On twin-keel versions, the stresses of drying out on a tide can lead to movement in the keel-to-hull joint over decades. Inspect the interior "floors" (structural ribs) for stress cracks and ensure the keel bolts are tight and free of excessive corrosion.

Community & Resources

The primary resource for this model is the Westerly Owners Association (WOA). It is one of the largest and most active owner groups in the world, providing a massive technical "wiki" for members, covering everything from window seal replacement to re-rigging the Dubois spar. The WOA also manages a registry of hulls, which is invaluable for tracing the provenance and maintenance history of specific vessels.

The Verdict

The Westerly Falcon 34 is a "seamanlike" cruiser that balances the requirements of a comfortable family home with the performance of a pedigree hull. It is not as fast as a modern lightweight racer, nor as spacious as a modern wide-stern production boat, but it offers a sense of security and durability that is hard to find in newer entry-level yachts.

Pros:

• Sturdy Construction: Built to Lloyd's specifications with a heavy-duty layup.
• Balanced Handling: An Ed Dubois hull that rewards good sail trim and handles heavy weather with poise.
• Twin Keel Capability: The ability to dry out makes it ideal for exploring shallow estuaries and reducing berthing costs.

Cons:

• Dated Headlinings: Likely requires replacement if not already addressed by a previous owner.
• Age-Related Maintenance: Systems such as original plumbing and Volvo 2003 engines are likely nearing their replacement cycle.
• Traditional Aesthetics: The 1980s styling, while functional, lacks the sleek modern lines of 21st-century cruisers.