Westerly Oceanquest 35 Buyer's Guide
The Westerly Oceanquest 35 arrived in the early 1990s as a capable, well-mannered cruiser from a yard that had long mastered the art of building solid, unpretentious boats. Designed by Ed Dubois, it offers a rare blend of respectable sailing performance, a generous interior, and the option of a bilge-keel configuration that opens up shallow-water cruising and drying harbours. On the used market, these boats attract owners who value substance over fashion, and many examples have already been thoughtfully upgraded for extended cruising. Knowing where the Oceanquest 35 typically excels—and where it needs a careful eye—will help you find the right one.
Layouts on the Used Market
Both the original two-cabin and the later three-cabin arrangement appear on the used market, but it is the owner-focused three-cabin layout that you will encounter more frequently. The two-cabin layout, with a simpler, more open interior, crops up less often but still appeals to buyers who prefer minimal joinery. Because the Oceanquest 35 spent time in charter fleets, ex-charter examples are common, so a pre-purchase survey is essential to look past cosmetic wear and confirm sound underlying condition.
Equipment and Common Upgrades
Decades of owner involvement mean many Oceanquest 35s now come to market with a useful inventory. Heating and the original teak decks are commonly fitted, and most boats will also carry an autopilot, chartplotter, radar, and a bimini, along with a conventional spinnaker. Beyond that, it is not unusual to find an asymmetric spinnaker, a dodger, a life raft, AIS, and a cockpit shower. Owners have also often added a wind generator or a bow thruster to ease handling in tight marina berths. Less frequently seen but desirable upgrades include a solar array, an inverter, a furling mainsail, electric winches, and a stern swim platform—additions that can significantly reduce your refit budget if already present on a boat you are considering.
What to Inspect
A thorough survey is non-negotiable, but there are several model-specific areas you can check yourself before commissioning one. The bilge-keel option, which allows the boat to take the ground, is a defining feature of many Oceanquest 35s; closely examine the keel stubs and attachment for any sign of grounding damage or cracking 1. On fin-keel boats, fastener condition and the sump area deserve equal attention. The hull-deck join, typical of Westerly construction, can develop leaks, so look for water staining inside lockers and along the hull lining.
The teak deck is beautiful when well-maintained, but trapped moisture can cause widespread core rot. Sound every square metre and inspect caulking seams, especially around deck penetrations. Chainplates are not always easy to access, so run a hand over interior bulkheads for dampness or discoloration. The Volvo Penta MD2030 is a robust engine, but the raw-water cooling circuit, heat exchanger, and exhaust elbow need regular servicing; low hours are no substitute for consistent upkeep. The shaft drive configuration keeps maintenance simpler than a saildrive 1, yet motor mounts, the stern gland, and the cutless bearing should still be checked for wear. Given how common ex-charter boats are in this market, pay particular attention to the condition of sails, upholstery, and the electrical panel—areas where charter use often leaves a mark.
Availability and Buyer's Takeaway
The Westerly Oceanquest 35 remains predominantly available in the United Kingdom, so buyers searching elsewhere should expect a longer search and plan for the logistics of a distant survey or import. When visiting a candidate, use the checklist below to keep your evaluation objective.
- Hull-to-deck joint and chainplate leaks
- Teak deck bonding and core moisture
- Keel integrity—especially bilge-keel stubs and grounding evidence
- Engine cooling system, mounts, and shaft alignment
- Exhaust elbow and heat exchanger condition
- Standing rigging age and terminal fittings
- Fuel tank condition and fuel system cleanliness
- Condition of sails, canvas, and running rigging
- Interior joinery, soft furnishings, and bilge cleanliness
- Operational test of all electronics and the electrical system under load
- Paperwork for any significant upgrades (bow thruster, heating, inverter, etc.)
- Sea trial under power and sail in a realistic breeze
Price & volume trends
Monthly asking-price and listing-volume trends for the Westerly Oceanquest 35. The line shows the median ask each month; the bars show how many listings appeared.
Monthly breakdown · 8 rows
| Month | Listings | Median ask | Δ vs. last mo. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 25 | 1 | $ 60,804 | — |
| Oct 25 | 1 | $ 79,133 | +30.1% |
| Jan 26 | 1 | $ 86,888 | +9.8% |
| Mar 26 | 2 | $ 61,548 | -29.2% |
| Apr 26 | 4 | $ 60,838 | -1.2% |
| May 26 | 1 | $ 78,389 | +28.8% |
| Jun 26 | 2 | $ 62,224 | -20.6% |
| Jul 26 | 2 | $ 65,606 | +5.4% |
Where they're listed
Westerly Oceanquest 35 listings appear across 1 country. United Kingdom has the most listings with 14.
Country view
14 listings · 1 country| Country | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | $ 62,224 | 14 | 5 | 100.0% |
Comparable models
Similar length, displacement, and era. Open a row to compare that model's market page.
Similar boats to compare
6 similar designs| Model | LOA | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dufour 35 | 35.25' | $ 30,000 | 28 | 6 |
| Moody 35 | 34.5' | $ 64,986 | 24 | 2 |
| O'Day 35 | 35' | $ 28,500 | 24 | 12 |
| Nauticat 35 | 34.92' | $ 106,358 | 19 | 4 |
| Westerly Oceanquest 35You are here | — | $ 62,278 | 14 | 5 |
| Nicholson Nicholson 35 | 35.25' | $ 37,909 | 13 | 3 |