Westerly Fulmar 32 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Fulmar 32 are defined by its Ed Dubois lineage, emphasizing a balance between stability and speed that was ahead of its time for a production cruiser. Featuring a fractional sloop rig, the boat is known for having "perfect manners" under sail. According to editorial retrospectives by Yachting Monthly, the Fulmar is celebrated for its light touch on the tiller and its ability to remain balanced even when pressed in a blow.

With a displacement of approximately 9,900 lbs and a ballast of 4,210 lbs, the vessel maintains a high ballast ratio of roughly 43%. This significant weight in the keel—available in both fin and twin (bilge) keel configurations—contributes to a stiff, stable ride. The fractional rig keeps the headsails manageable in size, which makes short-handed tacking easier than on many of its masthead-rigged contemporaries. While the fin keel version offers superior windward pointability and less leeway, the bilge keel variant is arguably the most respected of its type, utilizing raked foils that minimize the performance sacrifice often associated with twin keels.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Fulmar 32 reflects a traditional, sea-kindly layout that prioritizes functionality while underway. The saloon features two full-length settee berths, one of which can often be converted into a double, flanking a central folding table that can accommodate up to eight people. A standout feature of the design is the large, forward-facing chart table and a practical galley located aft to starboard. Unlike later designs that prioritized a large aft cabin, the Fulmar utilizes a single quarterberth to port, allowing for a more spacious cockpit and better stowage in the cockpit lockers.

The hull proved so successful that it birthed several sibling variants. The Fulmar 33 is essentially the same hull with a "sugar scoop" transom added for easier boarding, produced in limited numbers toward the end of the 1990s. The basic hull lines also served as the foundation for the Westerly Storm 33, which introduced a masthead rig and a dedicated aft cabin layout, and the Regatta 330, which updated the interior styling for the modern market. Owners frequently note that the headroom is generous at approximately six feet, though this tapers slightly in the heads compartment located forward of the main bulkhead.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Fulmar 32's legacy is deeply intertwined with the Westerly Sea School, where a dozen Fulmars were used to train thousands of sailors in the English Channel. This high-profile application proved the boat's "bulletproof" reputation, as they stood up to year-round use in some of the world's most demanding tidal waters. Editorial coverage in Yachting Monthly has repeatedly cited the Fulmar as the "best boat Westerly ever built," frequently using it as the benchmark for evaluating other used 32-footers.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus on several technical areas identified by long-term owners and technical advisors at the Westerly Owners Association:

• Keel Rib Reinforcement: Older fin keel models can exhibit movement at the aft end of the internal keel rib. Technical guides recommend checking for "panting" or inward deflection of the hull around the keel when the boat is supported on its cradle. Many boats have since been retrofitted with additional laminations to stiffen this area.
• The "Westerly Droop": Like many boats of this era, the foam backing on the vinyl headlining eventually degrades, causing the interior fabric to sag. While cosmetic, it is a labor-intensive repair that often involves replacing the panels with modern alternatives.
• Keel Corrosion: Some iron keels from this period suffered from casting porosity, leading to deep pitting and localized rust. This is generally a cosmetic issue rather than structural, but it requires grit-blasting and epoxy treatment to rectify permanently.
• Chainplate Webs: On a small number of late-1980s models, the internal webs that the shroud chainplates attach to have been known to show signs of movement or debonding from the hull shell.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support is the Westerly Owners Association, which maintains an extensive technical wiki and "Boatline" representatives who specialize specifically in the Fulmar model. This association provides detailed blueprints and repair procedures for common issues like keel reinforcement and engine maintenance.

The Verdict

The Westerly Fulmar 32 remains a "modern classic" that offers a rare combination of genuine performance and robust construction.

Pros:

• Exceptional, well-balanced handling under sail.
• Strong, Lloyd's-certified hull construction.
• Highly respected twin-keel performance for tidal sailors.
• Extensive support network and spare parts availability via the owners' association.

Cons:

• Interior layout lacks a private aft cabin compared to more modern competitors.
• Common legacy issues like sagging headlinings are almost inevitable.
• Standard 2-cylinder engines (like the Bukh 20 or Volvo 2002) can feel underpowered in heavy chop.