Westerly Griffon 26 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The influence of Ed Dubois is immediately apparent in the Griffon’s sailing characteristics. Unlike its predecessor, the Centaur, which was known for its "tractor-like" persistence rather than its finesse, the Griffon is a genuinely weatherly performer. With a Displacement/Length ratio typically hovering in the moderate-heavy range, it offers a stable, sea-kindly motion that provides confidence to coastal cruisers.

Handling is characterized by a balanced helm and a surprising degree of stiffness for a 26-foot vessel. According to editorial retrospectives by Yachting Monthly, the boat points significantly higher than earlier Westerly models, particularly in the fin-keel configuration. However, the majority of Griffons were delivered with twin (bilge) keels to accommodate the tidal harbors of the UK and France. Even with twin keels, the Dubois-designed foils are more efficient than older designs, reducing leeway and allowing the boat to track well in a chop. Owners often report that the boat feels "bigger" than its 26 feet, handling heavy air with a reefed main and a small headsail without becoming unruly.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The Griffon’s interior was a masterclass in space management for the era, famously offering six feet of headroom in a hull under 27 feet. The layout is traditional: a V-berth forward, a separate heads compartment (often with a hanging locker opposite), and a main saloon featuring a folding table. Most models utilized an L-shaped settee to port and a straight settee to starboard, providing berths for up to five or six people when including the large quarter berth to port.

The model evolved through three distinct iterations. The Mark I featured a dark teak-heavy interior, characteristic of 1970s design. The Mark II introduced lighter wood finishes and subtle layout refinements, while the "Club" version was often seen as a simplified variant. In terms of sibling models, the Griffon shares DNA with the larger Westerly Fulmar (32') and the smaller Westerly Konsort (29'), both Dubois designs that utilized similar construction methods and aesthetic cues. The "sugar scoop" stern seen on later Westerly models was generally absent here, as the Griffon maintained a traditional transom with a boarding ladder.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Westerly Griffon should focus their inspection on three primary areas that are common across the Westerly fleet of this vintage.

1. The "Westerly Droop": The most notorious issue is the failure of the foam-backed vinyl headlining. Over time, the foam disintegrates, causing the fabric to sag. While a purely aesthetic issue, it is a labor-intensive and messy repair.
2. Keel Reinforcement: On twin-keel models, it is essential to inspect the "keel stubs"—the area of the hull where the keels are bolted. Earlier models sometimes exhibited flexing in this area, leading to fine cracks in the gelcoat (often called the "Westerly Smile"). Many boats have been retroactively reinforced with steel plates or additional fiberglass, a modification often recommended by the owner's association.
3. Engine Longevity: Most Griffons were originally fitted with the Bukh 10 or 20, or the Volvo Penta MD series. While the Bukh is legendary for its reliability, parts are becoming increasingly expensive. Buyers should check for excessive smoke or signs of salt-water cooling passage blockages.
4. Window Leaks: The original windows were often held in by aluminum frames that can corrode or leak at the seals, potentially damaging the interior woodwork.

Community & Resources

The Griffon is supported by one of the most robust owner networks in the maritime world. The Westerly Owners Association is a primary resource, providing extensive technical archives, bolt torque specifications, and historical data for the Griffon and its siblings. Because so many units remain in active use, parts like replacement rudders or specialized hardware are still relatively easy to source through UK-based specialists who cater specifically to the Westerly brand.

The Verdict

The Westerly Griffon 26 remains one of the most practical "first boats" for a young family or a sailor seeking a robust, low-maintenance coastal cruiser. It strikes an excellent balance between the ruggedness required for offshore hops and the agility needed for club racing.

Pros:

• Exceptional Headroom: Rare to find a full 6' of standing room in a 26-foot boat.
• Dual-Keel Versatility: The twin-keel option allows for drying out in tidal moorings.
• Modern Handling: A significant performance upgrade over the older Centaur.
• Robust Build: Constructed during an era when fiberglass layups were conservative and thick.

Cons:

• Headlining Failure: Nearly all original interiors will require a headlining replacement if not already completed.
• Dated Aesthetics: The 1970s/80s styling may feel utilitarian compared to modern French-built cruisers.
• Limited Cockpit Space: The cockpit can feel cramped with more than four adults on board.