Westerly GK 29 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The GK 29 was engineered to be a "dual-purpose" yacht, and its performance reflects the design tensions of the late 1970s. With a Displacement/Length ratio and a sail area-to-displacement ratio that leaned toward the competitive for its era, the boat is significantly more spirited than its contemporary siblings like the Westerly Centaur. The hull features a deep fin keel (or an optional twin keel for drying harbors) and a high-aspect masthead sloop rig.

Handling is characterized by a "stiff" feel, attributed to a ballast ratio of nearly 41%, which allows the boat to carry its canvas longer than lighter racing designs. According to technical assessments found via the Westerly Owners Association, the GK 29 tracks exceptionally well upwind, though like many IOR-influenced designs of the period with a pinched stern and wide beam amidships, it can become lively and "twitchy" when pressed hard on a broad reach in heavy air. For the cruising sailor, the boat provides a reassuring sense of momentum, cutting through a short chop with far less hobby-horsing than flatter, modern light-displacement hulls.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its racing aspirations, the GK 29 offers an interior that is surprisingly voluminous for a 29-foot vessel, largely due to its 10-foot 2-inch beam. The layout is traditional: a forward V-berth, a full-width heads compartment with a hanging locker, and a saloon featuring a central folding table. Most models were fitted with a "U" shaped dinette to port which could convert into a double berth, complemented by a single settee berth to starboard and a generous quarter berth tucked behind the navigation station.

Materiality reflects the standard of the era, utilizing a mix of teak veneers and molded GRP headliners. The Laurent Giles Archive notes that the design (Design No. 748) prioritized headroom, which stands at a commendable 6 feet in the main cabin. Variation-wise, the boat was offered in two distinct finishes: the "Cruising" version, which featured more wood trim and amenities, and the "Racing" or "Sports" version, which often utilized lighter materials and a more stripped-back internal molding to save weight.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Westerly GK 29 should approach the survey with a focus on three era-specific concerns common to 1970s GRP construction.

1. The "Westerly Droop": The most frequent interior complaint involves the vinyl headlining. The original foam backing tends to degrade over decades, causing the vinyl to sag away from the fiberglass deck head. While purely cosmetic, it is a labor-intensive repair often discussed within owner circles as a rite of passage.
2. Engine Longevity: Many GK 29s were originally fitted with the Volvo Penta MD7A or MD7B. While these are robust engines, parts are becoming increasingly scarce. Buyers should check for cooling passage blockages and signs of heavy smoking under load, as many hulls have now been repowered with more modern Yanmar or Beta Marine units.
3. Keel Bolt Integrity: Particularly on fin keel models that have been campaigned hard in club races, the keel-to-hull joint should be inspected for "smile" cracks. While the Westerly lay-up is famously thick, years of racing stress can lead to minor movement if the backing plates have corroded.
4. Chainplate Leakage: On older models, the chainplates where they pass through the deck can develop slow leaks, which if left unaddressed, can saturate the wooden bulkheads they are bolted to. A dark stain on the plywood near the chainplate is a high-signal indicator of structural fatigue.

Community & Resources

The GK 29 benefits from one of the most organized and technically proficient owner communities in the world. The Westerly Owners Association serves as the primary repository for original brochures, wiring diagrams, and specific maintenance guides. Because the boat was built by the UK-based Westerly Marine Construction (not to be confused with the California-based custom builder), these resources are essential for sourcing parts that fit the British imperial or early metric standards used during the build.

The Verdict

The Westerly GK 29 remains a compelling choice for the sailor who wants the pedigree of a Laurent Giles design without sacrificing the interior volume required for family weekends. It is a "proper" boat that rewards a skilled hand on the helm while remaining forgiving enough for those transitioning from smaller day-sailers.

Pros:

• Excellent heavy-weather stability and stiffness.
• Unexpectedly high headroom and interior volume for its length.
• Robust construction that has stood the test of time better than many contemporary racers.
• Exceptional support via a dedicated, worldwide owner’s association.

Cons:

• IOR-era hull shape can be difficult to handle under spinnaker in a following sea.
• Common headlining failure ("Westerly Droop") is almost universal in original boats.
• Finishes are more functional and "dated" compared to modern French production yachts.