Design and Construction
Dubois gave the Griffon a beam of 9 feet 3 inches and a hull form that prioritises stability and load-carrying over pure speed. Three main variants emerged over the production run — Mk I, Mk II, and Club — all sharing the same core hull but differing in interior fit-out and detailing. Keel options widened the boat's appeal considerably: twin bilge keels were the most common choice, giving a draft of just 3 feet 3 inches and the freedom to dry out on a beach or tidal mooring, while a fin keel pushed draft to 4 feet 9 inches for those wanting better windward performance. A lifting keel version was also produced in small numbers. The GRP construction is well-regarded for strength, and the Griffon accumulated a sound reputation in service across British coastal waters.
Rig and Sailing Character
The Griffon carries a masthead sloop rig on a single pair of straight spreaders, supported by cap shrouds, aft lowers, a babystay, and a split backstay. Rotostay furling headsail was standard, as were cockpit-led reefing lines — practical choices that suit the boat's shorthanded cruising remit well. The foretriangle produces a working jib and accommodates a 135 percent genoa or a full 150 percent headsail for light-air reaching.
On the water, the bilge-keel model is reluctant to point high, preferring apparent wind angles of around 45 degrees, at which point she moves along briskly in a Force 4–5 breeze. The tiller is sensitive without excessive weather helm, a notable achievement given the transom-hung, unbalanced rudder configuration. In stronger conditions the Griffon demonstrates a sea-kindly manner that inspires confidence on passages, and she handles being pushed hard without drama. The shorter boom does compromise the mainsail's sheeting angle slightly, and the mainsheet track positioned on the afterdeck rather than the coachroof is a minor ergonomic concession.
Deck Layout and Cockpit
The deck is well thought through for a cruising yacht of this size. Wide sidedecks with moulded non-slip and full-height guardrail make moving about at sea a composed affair. The cockpit is generous, with a footwell proportioned for bracing as the boat heels and flat-topped coamings set high for security and angled for comfort. Six people can sit on the cockpit seats when the tiller is lashed to one side, though the boat is not genuinely a six-berth vessel. A manual bilge pump is integrated into the sole, operable while helming — a practical detail. The foredeck is uncluttered, with a bow roller sized for a self-stowing anchor and a chain-pipe below. The pushpit incorporates a gate for boarding via a folding transom ladder.
Accommodations
Below, the Griffon is comfortable for two and workable for four. A double berth occupies the forepeak and a double quarter berth sits beneath the cockpit, with the saloon berths available as singles. Saloon headroom reaches 1.83 metres — six feet — which is adequate rather than generous for a 26-footer. The galley is minimalist, and there is no shower, though an enclosed heads compartment is provided. The Mk I was a spartan fit-out; the Mk II introduced smarter teak joinery. A deep cockpit locker houses water and fuel tanks while still accommodating cruising gear.
Known Issues
The most significant build problem surfaced on early bilge-keel models: some developed a weakness in the keel attachment that required reinforcement, and Westerly addressed these boats through a recall. Buyers of older examples should confirm this work was carried out. Beyond that structural point, the Griffon is regarded as a robust, dependable cruiser — but the galley's basic provision is a genuine limitation for extended passages, and the roughly 450 hulls produced means a smaller pool of parts and precedent than the vastly more numerous Centaur it replaced.
The Verdict
The Westerly Griffon 26 is a well-engineered, honest cruiser that does what it promises: it goes offshore safely, handles being sailed hard without fuss, and gives two people a comfortable, practical base aboard. The bilge-keel option makes it genuinely versatile for tidal British harbours, and the Ed Dubois hull delivers noticeably better performance than the Centaur it replaced. It is not a racer, it is not a live-aboard, and its galley will not impress a serious cook — but as an economical platform for coastal and short offshore passages, it is difficult to argue with.
Pros
- Robust solid GRP construction with a proven Westerly layup
- Twin bilge keels allow drying out and access to shallow tidal harbours
- Sea-kindly behaviour in strong conditions; capable on offshore passages
- Sensitive tiller with manageable weather helm despite transom-hung rudder
- Well-organised deck with wide sidedecks, full guardrail, and secure cockpit
- Shorthanded-friendly from the factory: furling headsail, cockpit reefing lines
Cons
- Bilge-keel variant makes significant leeway and dislikes pointing high
- Early bilge-keel models subject to keel-attachment recall — verify history
- Minimalist galley limits appeal for extended cruising
- Shorter boom compromises mainsail sheeting angle
- Mk I interior lacks the quality of the later Mk II fit-out
- Relatively low production numbers compared to the Centaur predecessor
