Westerly GK 34 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The GK 34 is widely regarded as a "sailor’s boat," characterized by the responsiveness and speed typical of an Ed Dubois design. As a Three-Quarter Tonner, it features a fractional rig and a deep fin keel, which together provide exceptional upwind performance and the ability to point high—often as tight as 35 degrees to the wind without significant loss of boat speed. According to archival technical guides from the Westerly Owners Association, the boat carries a substantial sail area-to-displacement ratio that makes it particularly potent in light to moderate air.

On the helm, the boat is described as well-balanced but physically demanding in heavy weather. Performance notes from editorial tests in Yachting Monthly (discussing the GK series lineage) suggest that the hull’s IOR-influenced shape—featuring a relatively narrow stern and wide midships—requires early reefing to maintain control and minimize weather helm. Once trimmed correctly, the GK 34 tracks well, aided by a skeg-mounted rudder that provides better directional stability than the spade rudders found on many of its contemporaries. Owners often report that the "Grand Prix" Kevlar versions feel noticeably stiffer and more "alive" in a seaway, though even the standard GRP models are praised for their sea-kindliness in offshore conditions.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Unlike many dedicated racing machines of the 1980s, the GK 34 does not sacrifice interior utility for speed. The cabin is finished in warm teak, providing a level of "yachtiness" that sets it apart from spartan, stripped-out racers. The layout typically accommodates five to seven berths, including a double berth in the forward cabin, an L-shaped settee in the saloon that converts to a berth, and two-tier pipe cots or quarter berths aft for use during offshore passages.

The galley, situated to port, is remarkably functional for a performance-oriented hull, equipped with a gimballed cooker, oven, and deep icebox. To starboard, a full-sized chart table serves as a dedicated navigation station, reflecting the boat's origins in serious offshore racing where tactical navigation was paramount. Headroom is generous for a 34-footer, generally exceeding six feet in the main saloon. Variations between individual boats are common, as Westerly offered different levels of "home completion" kits, meaning the quality of the joinery and the specific locker configurations can vary depending on whether the boat was factory-finished or owner-completed.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the GK 34 with a focus on structural integrity, particularly if the vessel has a documented history of hard racing.

• Keel-Hull Interface: A known "gotcha" for the GK series is flexibility at the keel stub. Under high loads, the hull can flex, leading to "Westerly smiles" (cracks at the leading edge of the keel) or minor seepage around the keel bolts. High-signal reports from technical forums like CruisersForum suggest that many owners have added internal GRP floor reinforcements to stiffen this area.
• Chainplate Movement: Given the high rig tensions used in racing, the chainplates and their associated bulkheads should be inspected for stress cracking or signs of water ingress, which can rot the plywood cores.
• Fuel Tank Corrosion: The original fuel tanks were often made of mild steel. Over four decades, these are prone to internal rusting and pinhole leaks; many have already been replaced with stainless steel or plastic alternatives.
• Headlining "Droop": A universal issue for Westerlys of this era is the failure of the foam backing on the vinyl headlining, causing it to sag. This is a labor-intensive aesthetic fix that almost every GK 34 will have faced or will eventually require.
• Rudder Bearings: The skeg-supported rudder can develop "play" or vibration over time. Check for wear in the lower bronze bush and the upper bearing housing.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support and historical data is the Westerly Owners Association, one of the largest and most active owner groups in the world. They maintain a "Definitive Guide" for the GK 34, which includes original brochures and maintenance wikis specifically tailored to the nuances of the Dubois-designed GK range.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Exceptional upwind performance and light-air speed.
• Dual-purpose layout that functions for both club racing and family cruising.
• High-quality teak interior that avoids the "bleak" feeling of many 1980s racers.
• Strong, active owner community providing a wealth of technical documentation.

Cons:

• Complex IOR hull shape can be "twitchy" and requires active sail trimming.
• Known structural flexibility at the keel joint may require reinforcement.
• Physical effort required on the helm during heavy weather if not reefed early.
• Rarity; with only 19 built, finding a well-maintained example can be difficult.