Design and Construction
The Fulmar 32 was conceived as a reliable cruiser-racer that could satisfy two audiences without fully compromising either. The hull — 31 feet 11 inches overall with a 10-foot 9-inch beam — is built in fibreglass requiring minimal seasonal maintenance, and the displacement figure gives the boat a solid, purposeful feel in the water rather than the skittish motion of lighter designs. The length-to-beam ratio places it more spacious than the majority of comparable designs, a deliberate choice by Dubois to prioritise livability alongside performance. The result is a boat that feels substantial on deck and below without being unwieldy for a short-handed crew.
Keel Configurations
One of the more practical design decisions Westerly offered was a choice of underbody. Buyers could specify a fin keel drawing 5 feet 6 inches, a twin keel version at 4 feet, or in some cases a lifting keel arrangement, catering to different sailing preferences and home waters. The twin-keel option in particular opened up tidal anchorages and drying harbours that a fin-keel boat of similar displacement would have to avoid — a meaningful advantage along the British coast and the Channel shores of France where the boat is commonly found.
Rig and Handling
The Fulmar 32 carries a fractional sloop rig — a configuration known for versatility and ease of handling — with a sail area of approximately 505 square feet and a mast stepping roughly 43 feet above the water. Upwind the boat points respectably, though it is particularly adept at reaching and running, where the fractional arrangement lets the mainsail do the work across a broad range of conditions. The spade rudder delivers precise steering control, and the boat's stability characteristics mean it resists excessive heel without needing to be nursed. The capsize screening value falls inside the threshold that would permit participation in offshore racing, a useful indicator of the hull's resistance to knockdown in open water.
Accommodation
Below decks, Westerly fitted the Fulmar 32 with seven berths and a galley, a generous allocation for a boat just under 32 feet. The interior layout follows the practical British cruising formula of the period, with space for a small crew on an extended passage and enough separation between berths to allow off-watch sleep when the boat is moving. The well-thought-out interior layout makes it comfortable for day sailing and longer trips alike. The immersion rate of 216 kilograms per centimetre indicates a stable and capable load-carrying platform, meaning the boat accepts provisions, gear, and crew without burying itself at the bow.
Known Issues
The Fulmar 32 is now several decades old, and prospective buyers should approach any example with eyes open to the realities of vintage fibreglass construction. The most commonly reported concerns include aging gelcoat and leaks around windows — both characteristic of production boats of this era rather than defects specific to Westerly's construction quality. The electrical system, now decades old, often requires updating, which is true of virtually any boat from this generation and should be budgeted as a matter of course rather than treated as a red flag.
The Verdict
The Westerly Fulmar 32 is what happens when a talented designer and a competent production yard align on a brief without trying to be all things to all buyers. Ed Dubois produced a hull that handles responsibly offshore, accepts a real crew and their gear, and still rewards a sailor who wants to race on weekends. The twin-keel option gives it reach into waters that exclude many competitors, and the fibreglass construction has proven durable over many years of active use. There are maintenance realities that come with any boat of this age, but nothing structural that should deter a buyer willing to commission a proper survey.
Pros
- Ed Dubois design with proven offshore credentials
- Choice of fin, twin, or lifting keel suits varied home waters
- Fractional sloop rig is efficient and easy for short-handed sailing
- Seven berths in a practical, livable layout
- Capsize screening value acceptable for offshore passages
- Fibreglass hull requires only modest routine maintenance
Cons
- Aging electrical systems on most surviving examples need assessment and likely replacement
- Gelcoat and window seals on older boats commonly show their age
- Performance at the upper end of the wind range requires active management of sail area
