Sailing Performance & Handling
The Solway 36 is a heavy-displacement cruiser characterized by its steady, predictable motion in a seaway. With a displacement-to-length ratio typically on the higher end of the spectrum, it is a "momentum boat" that handles heavy weather with poise. Most Solways were rigged as ketches, a configuration that offers a versatile sail plan for short-handed crews; by dropping the mainsail and sailing under "jib and jigger" (mizzen and headsail), the boat remains balanced and manageable when the wind climbs above 25 knots.
While not a light-air performer, the Solway 36 excels on a reach. Its hull shape, featuring a moderate beam and a choice between a deep fin keel or Westerly’s signature twin (bilge) keels, provides significant stability. The bilge keel version is particularly prized in regions with high tidal ranges, such as the English Channel or the East Coast of the UK, as it allows the boat to stand upright on its own when the tide goes out. According to technical archives from the Westerly Owners’ Association, the hull was designed to be stiff and forgiving, though sailors should expect some weather helm if the boat is over-canvased. Owners often report that the boat "finds its groove" once the wind reaches Force 4, where the weight begins to work in its favor, carving through chop rather than bouncing over it.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The Solway 36’s greatest strength is its interior volume, which was revolutionary for a 36-foot boat in the 1970s. Because it shares a hull with the Conway, the Solway benefits from generous beam and headroom that often exceeds 6'3" in the main saloon. The layout typically features a large u-shaped galley, a proper navigation station, and a spacious saloon. Unlike the center-cockpit Conway, which uses the midships for an engine room and a corridor to the aft cabin, the Solway's aft-cockpit configuration allows for a more open, traditional saloon layout that feels significantly airier.
Materials used in the interior are characteristic of the "Golden Era" of Westerly: solid teak trim and high-quality veneers. The Solway was often finished with a focus on "deck saloon" aesthetics, meaning the windows are larger and positioned higher than those on the Medway or Conway, flooding the cabin with natural light. The hull-sharing siblings provide a fascinating study in 1970s design flexibility: the Conway 36 provided a private master suite aft, while the Solway 36 optimized the communal living space and provided a larger, more protected cockpit for those who prefer steering from the back of the vessel.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers of a Solway 36 must be diligent regarding a few era-specific technical issues common to 1970s GRP construction. The most prevalent "gotcha" for Westerlys of this vintage is "Westerly Droop"—the tendency for the foam-backed vinyl headlining to unstick from the cabin roof as the foam degrades over time. While purely aesthetic, it is a labor-intensive repair.
On the structural front, keel bolts and the backing plates should be inspected, particularly on bilge-keel models, as these areas undergo significant stress during groundings or when drying out. Another high-signal area for inspection is the "osmotic blistering" of the hull. While Westerly hulls are notoriously thick, many examples from the mid-70s have required or will require an epoxy treatment to address gelcoat blistering. Lastly, because many Solway 36s were fitted with the original Mercedes OM636 or early Volvo Penta engines, a thorough mechanical survey is essential; many owners have opted for modern Beta or Yanmar repowers, which significantly increases the vessel's value.
Community & Resources
The primary hub for technical data and historical records for this model is the Westerly Owners’ Association. This organization is one of the largest of its kind in the world, maintaining an exhaustive archive of original brochures, wiring diagrams, and modification guides for the entire 36-foot range. Their technical wikis are the definitive source for troubleshooting the specific hull-to-deck joints and chainplate reinforcements unique to the Laurent Giles designs.
The Verdict
The Westerly Solway 36 is a "proper" yacht in the traditional sense: overbuilt, incredibly spacious, and capable of taking its crew anywhere in relative comfort. It sacrifices modern "med-style" cockpit lounging and light-wind agility for blue-water security and the ability to stand on its own two feet in tidal harbors.
Pros:
- Exceptional structural integrity and Lloyd's-certified construction.
- Enormous interior volume and headroom for a 36-footer.
- The ketch rig provides multiple "gears" for heavy-weather safety.
- Bilge keel options allow for unique cruising grounds and lower haul-out costs.
Cons:
- Slow performance in light winds and lackluster pointing ability upwind.
- Likely to suffer from "headlining droop" if not already refurbished.
- The heavy displacement makes the boat less maneuverable in tight marinas compared to modern fin-keelers.
