Westerly Konsort 29 Sailboats for Sale

Layouts on the Used Market

The most common configuration found on the used market is the twin-keel version, which was the more popular choice when new and accounts for the great majority of examples available today. The fin-keel variant does appear, less frequently, and is worth seeking out if you sail from a deep-water berth and want marginally better upwind performance and a lower centre of gravity. A small number of swing-keel boats were built, and while they surface occasionally, parts and expertise are harder to come by.

Below decks, the layout is consistent across the production run: a forecabin forward, a heads compartment and hanging locker separating it from the saloon, wide parallel settee berths in the main cabin, a chart table and quarter berth to port, and a galley to starboard. Because there is no aft cabin, the saloon sits further aft into the widest part of the hull, which is precisely why it feels so spacious. Early boats used a single large acrylic-fronted locker in the saloon; later production moved to multiple smaller lockers, which most owners find more practical. The interior finish throughout is solid teak and teak-faced ply bonded directly to the hull — a genuine hand-crafted quality that distinguishes Konsorts from the moulded interiors common on competing boats of the period.

Equipment and Common Upgrades

Used examples on the market are commonly fitted with an autopilot and chartplotter, reflecting the boat's role as a short-handed coastal and channel cruiser in the hands of most owners. A dodger and some form of cabin heating are widely fitted, the latter being particularly prevalent on UK-market boats where the season demands it. Solar panels appear frequently as a quiet-at-anchor power solution, a sensible addition given the Konsort's modest electrical demands.

A bimini and life raft are often seen, especially on boats whose owners have used them for extended passages or offshore work. Among the upgrades that reflect longer ownership, a furling main appears occasionally as a convenience modification, as does AIS, an inverter, and radar — gear that speaks to owners who have grown into passage-making rather than coastal day sailing. Spinnaker equipment appears on some boats, usually with a snuffer, fitted by owners who wanted to improve the Konsort's acknowledged light-air performance.

What to Inspect

The Konsort's structural record is genuinely good, but there are known weak points that any serious buyer must check methodically.

Osmosis is the most common structural concern: Westerly used orthophthalic resins in earlier production, and cases of osmosis are quite common across the fleet. A full osmotic survey is not optional — it is essential. The extent of any treatment and how recently it was carried out should be confirmed before proceeding.

Chainplates are prone to fatigue and corrosion where they pass through the deck, and while they are relatively simple to replace, neglected ones are a genuine standing-rigging safety issue. Check the deck penetrations carefully for weeping, staining, and soft-core delamination around the bases.

The keel stub and its reinforcement deserve close attention, particularly on fin-keelers. Early boats used plywood reinforcement that was less robust than the chunkier foam-cored sections introduced in later production. Any boat that has grounded heavily or been badly supported during winter storage should be surveyed with particular care at the centreline. Keel bolts that have been glassed over rather than gelled over are a red flag: someone may have been concealing a problem.

The transom-hung rudder is easy to inspect visually but more vulnerable to damage than an inboard rudder. Check the gudgeons and pintles — they are joined by a rod and not especially robust, though they are straightforward to replace if worn or bent.

On deck, UV degradation of the gelcoat and star-crazing are common, particularly on boats that have spent extended periods in strong sunlight without cover. This is usually cosmetic but worth factoring into any negotiation or remediation plan.

Below decks, the most frequently encountered issue is the 'Westerly droop' — the vinyl headliner separating from the deckhead over time. It is unsightly but not structural, and many owners have addressed it with alternative headlining materials or simply removed it.

Finally, the Bukh or Volvo diesel inboard deserves a thorough engine survey. These are long-lived units when serviced, but cooling systems, impellers, and exhaust runs on boats of this age need careful inspection. Ask for service records and run the engine under load.

Availability and Buyer's Takeaway

The Konsort is most widely available in the United Kingdom, where the fleet originated and where the Westerly Owners' Association remains active. A meaningful number have migrated to the Netherlands and the Channel Islands, making northern European brokerage markets the most productive hunting ground. The boat's reputation and the strength of the owners' association mean that specialist surveyors and riggers familiar with the type are not difficult to find in British and Dutch ports.

Before making an offer, work through this checklist:

• Commission a full out-of-water survey with specific attention to osmosis, keel stub reinforcement, and chainplates
• Confirm keel bolt condition and whether any have been glassed in rather than gelled
• Inspect the transom-hung rudder gudgeons and pintles for wear, bending, or corrosion
• Check deck gelcoat for star-crazing and any soft areas around chainplate penetrations
• Run the engine under load and review all available service records
• Note whether the headliner has been replaced or is still in original drooping condition
• Verify the standing rigging age — many Konsorts have had rigging replaced during ownership, but confirm it
• If buying a twin-keeler, confirm the keel stubs are dry and the bolts accessible

A well-maintained Konsort, properly surveyed and bought with open eyes, remains one of the soundest investments in the used British cruiser market.