Westerly Fulmar 32 MH Twin Keel Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Fulmar 32 is widely regarded by marine journalists as one of the finest handling yachts of its era. According to an editorial evaluation by Yachting Monthly, the boat manages to balance stiffness with a surprising degree of agility, a feat attributed to Dubois's expertise in racing yacht design. Despite the added drag of the twin (bilge) keels, the Fulmar tracks exceptionally well upwind. The masthead rig provides a generous sail area relative to its displacement, allowing the boat to perform admirably in light airs where earlier Westerlys often struggled.

In the twin keel configuration, the Fulmar offers the distinct advantage of a shallower draft and the ability to dry out upright on tidal moorings, a hallmark of British coastal cruising. While a slight performance penalty exists compared to the fin keel variant, the Fulmar’s bilge keels are aerofoil-shaped and carefully positioned to maximize lift. This ensures that the boat remains a "sailor’s boat," resisting the tendency to "crab" sideways when pressed. Steering is typically via a tiller, providing direct feedback and making the boat easy to "feel" through gusts, though wheel steering was an occasional factory option.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Fulmar 32 is a masterclass in early-1980s ergonomics, utilizing every inch of its 10-foot 10-inch beam. The layout is traditional: a V-berth in the forepeak, a heads compartment to port with a hanging locker opposite, and a main saloon featuring two settee berths (one of which can often be converted to a double). The L-shaped galley is positioned to starboard, while a full-sized forward-facing chart table sits to port, a luxury often missing in modern 32-footers.

The use of teak joinery and high-quality laminates provides a warm, albeit dark, traditional atmosphere. Headroom is generous, exceeding six feet throughout much of the main cabin. Toward the end of the production run, Westerly introduced the Fulmar 33, which utilized the same hull but featured an integrated "sugar scoop" bathing platform on the transom. Some late-model Fulmars also featured "coastal" or "racing" variations in rig height, but the Masthead Twin Keel remains the most sought-after configuration for family cruisers who value versatility. Detailed interior specifications and layout diagrams are maintained by the Westerly Owners Association, which serves as the primary technical repository for the model.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers must navigate several common technical issues inherent to Westerly builds of this vintage.

1. The "Westerly Droop": The most notorious issue is the failure of the foam backing on the vinyl headlining. Over time, the foam disintegrates, causing the vinyl to sag away from the deckhead. Repairing this is a labor-intensive project that often requires stripping the interior back to the fiberglass.
2. Keel Bolt Inspection: On twin-keeled models, the stress of drying out can put pressure on the hull-to-keel joints. Inspectors should look for "Westerly smiles" (cracks at the leading edge of the keel joint) and check for any signs of water ingress around the stainless steel keel bolts.
3. Engine Longevity: Most Fulmars were originally fitted with the Bukh 20 or Volvo Penta engines. While the Bukh is legendary for its reliability, these units are now decades old. Potential buyers should check for exhaust smoke and verify if the cooling passages have been descaled.
4. Osmosis: While Westerlys were built with thick layups, hulls from the early 1980s are susceptible to osmotic blistering. A moisture meter test and visual inspection of the gelcoat are mandatory during survey.

Community & Resources

The Fulmar benefits from one of the most robust owner support networks in the world. The Westerly Owners Association (WOA) is an essential resource, offering a massive archive of technical manuals, original brochures, and a community-driven forum for troubleshooting. Because the Fulmar shares many components with its siblings—such as the larger Seahawk or the smaller Konsort—spare parts like window seals and rudder bearings are still relatively accessible through specialized UK chandleries.

The Verdict

The Westerly Fulmar 32 MH Twin Keel is a "benchmark" cruiser that successfully bridges the gap between traditional seaworthiness and modern performance. It remains a staple of the secondhand market because it does not force the owner to choose between the ability to explore shallow estuaries and the capability to cross oceans.

Pros:

• Superior Handling: One of the best-performing bilge-keelers ever designed.
• Exceptional Build Quality: Robust construction that inspires confidence in heavy weather.
• Functional Layout: A proper chart table and sea-going galley make it a true cruiser.
• Strong Resale: High demand in the UK and European markets keeps values stable.

Cons:

• Interior Maintenance: The sagging headlining is a near-universal issue for unrestored boats.
• Aging Systems: Original engines and wiring often require significant investment.
• Traditional Aesthetic: The dark teak interior may feel cramped compared to modern, window-heavy designs.