Westerly Seahawk 34 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Seahawk 34 was engineered as a robust coastal and offshore cruiser rather than a racing machine, a fact reflected in its displacement and hull form. According to editorial analysis from Yachting Monthly, the Dubois hull features a relatively fine entry and a flattened run aft, which helps the boat maintain stability when pressed. Most Seahawks were fitted with twin (bilge) keels, a signature of the Westerly brand that allows the boat to dry out in tidal harbors. While the bilge keel version naturally suffers from more leeway than the fin keel variant, the design is surprisingly efficient upwind for a heavy cruiser.

With a displacement-to-length ratio that leans toward the "heavy cruiser" category, the Seahawk 34 offers a predictable and forgiving motion in a seaway. Owners often report that the boat tracks well due to its substantial skeg-mounted rudder, which provides a high degree of protection and steering stability. Under power, the original Volvo Penta 2003 engines (28hp) are generally considered adequate, though many hulls have since been repowered with more modern Beta or Yanmar units to improve reliability and torque in heavy head-seas.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The defining feature of the Seahawk 34 is its "Great Cabin" located aft. Unlike many 34-footers where the aft cabin is a cramped crawl-space, the Seahawk utilizes the center-cockpit configuration to offer a full-standing-headroom master suite with a double berth and a private vanity area. The main saloon is equally impressive, featuring a large U-shaped settee and a substantial galley that remains functional even while heeled.

Westerly maximized the utility of this hull by offering several sibling models. The Westerly Owners Association notes that the Seahawk 34 shares its hull with the Falcon 34, which was the aft-cockpit version designed for those who preferred a more traditional deck layout and a larger cockpit. In 1987, the model evolved into the Seahawk 35, which added a "sugar scoop" transom for easier stern boarding, and later into the Oceanquest 35, which modernized the interior joinery and deck styling. The build quality throughout this family of boats is characterized by heavy GRP layups and substantial teak cabinetry, though later models moved toward lighter wood finishes to brighten the cabin.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Seahawk 34 with a specific checklist derived from decades of owner feedback and surveyor reports.

• Headlining Failure: The most notorious issue, commonly referred to as the "Westerly Droop," involves the foam backing of the vinyl headlining disintegrating over time. This causes the interior fabric to sag. While purely cosmetic, it is a labor-intensive and messy repair.
• Osmosis: Like many British boats built in the mid-80s, the Seahawk is susceptible to osmotic blistering. While rarely structural, hulls should be checked with a moisture meter, particularly if the original gelcoat has not been treated with an epoxy barrier coat.
• Keel Bolts and Stiffening: On bilge-keel versions, the "Westerly shimmy" can occur if the keel stubs have been stressed by repeated groundings. Buyers should inspect the internal floor structures and the areas around the keel bolts for signs of cracking or movement.
• Engine Maintenance: The original Volvo Penta 2003 series can suffer from spline wear between the engine and the gearbox. Verify if the "spline fix" or an upgraded drive plate has been installed.

Community & Resources

The Seahawk 34 benefits from one of the most organized and technically proficient owner groups in the world. The Westerly Owners Association serves as a vital repository for original brochures, wiring diagrams, and specific DIY maintenance guides. Their technical archives are an essential resource for anyone looking to maintain or restore a Seahawk to its original offshore standards.

The Verdict

The Westerly Seahawk 34 remains a premier choice for cruisers who prioritize interior living space and heavy-weather security over raw speed. It is a "big" 34-footer that feels and sails like a much larger vessel.

Pros:

• Exceptional aft cabin comfort for its size.
• Solid, seaworthy construction with a protected skeg-hung rudder.
• Twin-keel options allow for versatile tidal cruising and cheaper storage.
• Highly active and supportive owner association.

Cons:

• Common headlining failures require significant renovation.
• The center-cockpit design results in a smaller, higher cockpit than aft-cockpit rivals.
• Moderate sailing performance in light winds due to high displacement.