Westerly Konsort 29 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Konsort 29 is characterized by its "sea-kindly" motion and predictable handling rather than blistering speed. With a displacement of approximately 9,200 lbs and a relatively high ballast ratio, the boat is remarkably stiff. It was offered in two primary underwater configurations: a single fin keel for better windward performance and a twin (bilge) keel version that allowed the vessel to stand upright in drying harbors.

The bilge keel variant is the most common and, while it suffers a slight penalty in tacking angles compared to the fin keel, it remains surprisingly capable. According to editorial testing by Yachting Monthly, the Konsort tracks well thanks to its substantial skeg-protected rudder, which provides a sense of security in a following sea. The sail area-to-displacement ratio suggests a boat that requires a decent breeze to get moving—typically 10 knots or more—but once powered up, it carries its momentum through a chop with far more grace than modern, lighter equivalents.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The defining characteristic of the Konsort 29 is its interior volume, which earned it the nickname "The Tardis." With a beam of 10 feet 9 inches—exceptionally wide for a 29-footer of its era—the cabin offers 6 feet 2 inches of headroom throughout most of the primary living space. The layout typically features a traditional V-berth forward, a large heads compartment with a hanging locker opposite, and a main saloon that utilizes the full beam to provide a large folding table and two settee berths (one of which converts to a double).

A key sibling variant to the standard Konsort 29 is the Konsort Duo, a motorsailer version built on the same hull. The Duo features a raised deckhouse and internal steering position, sacrificing some cockpit space for year-round weather protection. Within the standard model line, later versions (often referred to as the Konsort 30 in some markets, despite identical hull dimensions) saw minor aesthetic updates to the joinery and galley configurations. The use of solid teak trim and high-quality veneers was a hallmark of Westerly's construction, though the most significant interior variation found today is usually the result of owner-led refurbishments of the original "droopy" headlinings.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Konsort 29 with a specific checklist derived from decades of owner feedback and surveyor reports.

• Interior Headlining: The most notorious "Westerly trait" is the failure of the foam backing on the vinyl headlining. Over time, the foam disintegrates, causing the vinyl to sag or "droop." Many hulls have already been professionally refitted with wooden slats or new foam-backed vinyl.
• Keel Bolts and Spreading: On bilge keel models, it is essential to inspect the area where the keels meet the hull. While the Konsort is heavily built, decades of "taking the ground" can lead to stress crazing or slight movement. Look for "Westerly Smile"—a gap at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint.
• Osmosis: While Westerly used high-quality resins, boats of this vintage are susceptible to osmotic blistering. A moisture meter reading and a visual hull inspection are mandatory.
• Engine Maintenance: Many Konsorts were originally fitted with the Bukh 20 or Volvo Penta 2002/2003 engines. While these are reliable "marine-grade" units, parts for the Bukh can be expensive, and the Volvo units are known for spline wear on the gearbox.
• Window Seals: The large aluminum-framed windows are prone to leaking if the seals have perished, which can lead to rot in the interior teak cabinetry below.

Community & Resources

The Konsort 29 benefits from one of the most organized owner networks in the world. The Westerly Owners Association is a vital resource, providing a massive technical archive, part-sourcing guides, and historical data for every model built by the yard. Their "Definitive Guide to Westerly Models" is often cited as the primary authority for technical specifications and rigging dimensions.

The Verdict

The Westerly Konsort 29 is a quintessential "honest" boat. It does not pretend to be a racing yacht, nor does it attempt to mimic the sleek, minimalist lines of modern Mediterranean cruisers. Instead, it offers a level of safety, space, and durability that is difficult to find in any other 29-foot vessel.

Pros:

• Exceptional Interior Volume: More living space than many 32-footers of the same era.
• Robust Construction: Heavy GRP layup designed for the rigors of the North Sea.
• Versatility: The bilge keel option opens up shallower cruising grounds and cheaper mooring options.
• Resale Value: A well-maintained Konsort remains a highly liquid asset in the used boat market.

Cons:

• Aesthetic Weakness: The "droopy headlining" is a common and labor-intensive repair.
• Performance Limits: It is not a light-air performer and lacks the pointing ability of modern fin-keel designs.
• Age: Systems (wiring, plumbing, and standing rigging) will likely require updates on boats that haven't been recently refitted.