Westerly Ocean 49 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Westerly Ocean 49 is characterized by its stiffness and predictable tracking. With a displacement of approximately 14,000 kg, it is not a light-airs flyer, but it excels once the breeze exceeds 12 knots. The hull features a deep fin keel with a bulb and a large skeg-hung rudder, a configuration that prioritizes directional stability and safety over the high-speed maneuverability of modern spade-rudder designs.

The sail plan is typically configured as a masthead sloop, often equipped with in-mast furling and a large overlapping genoa. While purists may prefer a fully battened slab-reefing main for better shape, the furling systems found on most Ocean 49s were chosen for shorthanded long-distance cruising. According to historical editorial analysis from Yachting Monthly, which evaluated the Ocean 49's smaller sibling, the 43, the design ethos focuses on "sea-kindliness" and the ability to maintain high average speeds without punishing the crew. The 49 carries this further with a longer waterline, providing a theoretical hull speed of nearly 9 knots and significantly better performance when punching into a head sea compared to the smaller models in the range.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Ocean 49 was designed to compete with premium Scandinavian builders like Hallberg-Rassy and Najad. The layout is centered around a vast, light-filled saloon made possible by the slightly raised coachroof. High-quality teak joinery and solid wood moldings are prevalent throughout, a hallmark of the Westerly "Ocean" era.

The standard configuration features a magnificent aft owner’s stateroom with a centerline queen berth, extensive hanging lockers, and a private ensuite head with a separate shower stall. Moving forward, the passage cabin often contains a sea berth or serves as a dedicated workshop/utility area. The galley is typically longitudinal, located in the walk-through to the aft cabin, providing excellent bracing for the cook while underway. Forward of the saloon, the boat usually offers a V-berth guest cabin and a third lateral cabin with twin bunks, making it a true three-cabin, two-head blue-water cruiser. While the Ocean 49 remained the flagship, it shared much of its interior DNA with the Ocean 43, which utilized a similar center-cockpit philosophy on a shorter footprint.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Ocean 49 with a checklist tailored to high-end yachts of this vintage. While the construction quality was high, the following areas require scrutiny:

• Teak Deck Longevity: Many Ocean 49s were fitted with vacuum-bonded teak decks. While this method reduces the number of screw penetrations into the core, a boat from the mid-90s may be approaching the end of its deck life. Check for thinning wood, failing caulk lines, and "popping" plugs if screws were used.
• Keel Bolt Inspection: As with any large, high-displacement cruiser, the integrity of the keel-to-hull joint is paramount. Ensure there are no signs of "Westerly smile" (stress cracking at the leading edge of the keel) and that the internal backing plates are free of corrosion.
• In-Mast Furling Maintenance: The Selden or Hood furling systems common on these models require periodic service. If the furling action is stiff, it may indicate internal wear or a forestay that has reached the end of its fatigue life.
• Engine Accessibility: While the Perkins or Volvo Penta engines used in these models are generally reliable, the center-cockpit configuration can make certain service points difficult to reach. Check the service history for heat exchanger descaling and raw water pump maintenance.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Ocean 49 benefit from one of the most robust support networks in the sailing world. The Westerly Owners Association is among the largest and most active owner groups globally, providing an exhaustive technical library, spare parts sourcing advice, and a dedicated forum for Ocean-series owners. Because the Ocean 49 was a low-volume flagship, the community of 49 owners is tight-knit, often sharing specific knowledge regarding the Dubois-designed systems.

The Verdict

The Westerly Ocean 49 is a sophisticated, heavy-duty cruiser that offers a British alternative to the high-end yachts of Sweden. It is a vessel designed for those who prioritize safety, comfort, and a traditional nautical aesthetic over modern "flat-bottom" racing performance.

Pros:

• Excellent blue-water stability and a comfortable motion in heavy weather.
• The Ed Dubois hull offers a refined balance of speed and safety.
• Exceptional interior volume with a true "luxury" owner’s suite.
• Superior build quality compared to earlier mass-market Westerly models.

Cons:

• High displacement makes it sluggish in light wind conditions.
• Large sail areas and heavy loads require well-maintained winches and furling gear.
• Maintenance costs for a 49-foot yacht of this complexity can be significant.