Westerly Konsort 29 Duo Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Konsort Duo shares the same beam and underwater profile as the standard Konsort, which was renowned for being a stiff and predictable platform. Most Duos were fitted with Westerly’s signature bilge keels, allowing the boat to take the ground and stand upright in tidal harbors—a feature that remains highly prized by coastal cruisers. According to technical archives from the Westerly Owners Association, the boat was designed to be handled by a couple, with a high ballast ratio that ensures stability in a blow.

Under sail, the Duo is not a light-airs performer; its windage is noticeably higher than the standard Konsort due to the raised coachroof and internal helm station. However, in a Force 4 or higher, the hull comes into its own, tracking well and maintaining a steady gait. The steering is dual-station: a traditional tiller in the aft cockpit for fine-weather sailing and a wheel inside the deck saloon for inclement conditions. While the internal wheel provides comfort, owners often note that the lack of direct feel compared to the tiller requires a period of adjustment. The sail-to-displacement ratio is conservative, reflecting its role as a motorsailer where the engine—typically a 20hp to 28hp Volvo Penta or Bukh—is expected to assist when pointing high into the wind or navigating through choppy headseas.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior is where the Duo departs most radically from its sibling, the standard Konsort. By raising the floor and the coachroof, Laurent Giles created a true deck saloon experience. Large windows surround the main living area, providing 360-degree visibility that is rare for a boat under 30 feet. This layout effectively eliminates the "basement" feel of many contemporary monohulls.

The configuration usually features a linear galley to starboard in the main saloon, placing the cook at the same level as the crew and the helmsman. To port, a U-shaped dinette offers an elevated view of the horizon. Below and forward, the boat typically hosts a sizable V-berth and a separate heads compartment. Because it was built on the same 29-foot hull as the standard Konsort—which had a legendary amount of interior volume for its length—the Duo feels significantly larger than its dimensions suggest. Materials are classic Westerly: heavy use of teak joinery and plywood bulkheads, which, while dated by modern standards, provide a sense of "little ship" solidity.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Konsort Duo must be aware of several "signature" issues associated with Westerly builds of the 1980s. The most notorious is "Westerly droop," a failure of the foam backing on the vinyl headlining, which causes the interior fabric to sag. This is a labor-intensive but manageable DIY fix. Additionally, because the Duo features significantly more window surface area than the standard model, checking for leaks around the deck-saloon glazing is critical. Over time, the seals can perish, leading to moisture ingress that can damage the internal woodwork.

The bilge keel joints are another area for inspection. While the "Westerly shuffle"—a slight movement in the keels—is a known phenomenon, any significant weeping or rust at the keel bolts should be professionally surveyed. Finally, like many boats from this era, osmosis in the hull layup is a possibility. While Westerly hulls are generally thick and robust, a moisture meter test is recommended during any pre-purchase survey.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support is the Westerly Owners Association, which maintains an extensive library of original brochures, technical drawings, and a dedicated forum for Duo owners. Given that the Duo was produced in much smaller numbers (roughly 100 units) compared to the nearly 800 standard Konsorts, this community is an essential resource for sourcing specific replacement parts or advice on the dual-steering system.

The Verdict

The Westerly Konsort 29 Duo is an unapologetic "floating cottage" that manages to retain enough sailing DNA to satisfy those who prefer the wind to the engine. It is a niche vessel that excels in cold-weather cruising and tidal environments.

Pros:

• Excellent 360-degree visibility from the interior helm and saloon.
• The bilge keel configuration allows for cheap drying moorings and shallow-draft exploring.
• Robust construction and high stability for a 29-foot boat.
• Exceptional interior volume and headroom for its class.

Cons:

• High windage can make close-quarters maneuvering and upwind sailing challenging.
• Interior aesthetics are dated and susceptible to the common "headlining droop."
• Smaller production run means fewer Duos are available on the used market compared to the standard Konsort.