![]() |
Westsail 32 - opinions
"Charlie Morgan" wrote in message ... I'm interested in opinions on Westsail 32's in general. The one I'm considering is factory finished with the dinette layout. It has been constantly maintained and upgraded since new, so condition is not a big worry. This is not a bargin priced derelict. Of course I'll have a survey done if things progress that far. This one was made without teak decks, which to me, is a major plus. Low hours on the Yanmar. I'm more interested in hearing about how the boat sails and what it is like to spend long periods aboard. I already like the looks and the size, although I've also considered some larger boats. The boat would be used initially for frequent daysails (often single handed) long weekends, and cruises of a week or two at most. In a few years, we'd be on the boat for six or more months at a time. Once we transition to the longer term situation, we might even consider leaving it somewhere nice like the Med, and flying to the boat. I've long admired these boats, but I've never spent more than an afternoon on one. "Wetsnail" 32s are seriously overbuilt, which can be a distinct advantage when the going gets rough. You may recall the one that survived "The Perfect Storm" despite being abandoned. A friend had one for years, and while I used to blow him a lot of crap about it, it really was a boat of some merit. In light air it could be terribly frustrating. Under 10kts. it generally sailed along at 3kts. or so and just didn't seem to 'free up.' It was not particularly weatherly in such winds, leading one to use the diesel to weather in anything under 15kts. However when the wind blew (15kts. and above) it came into its element. We often beat longer, faster boats, such as C&C 34s and 36s to weather, and on beam or close reaches. Downwind she doesn't make that sort of speed, but she wasn't particularly slow either. We once sailed her on a beam reach for about 12 straight hours of 20+ kts.--made a bit better than 80nm, and in complete comfort. Just before he sold the boat and bought a trawler we installed a couple of thru-hulls. That hull near the point where the bottom fairs into the keel is amazingly thick--about 1.5"+ solid lay-up. And the interior was gorgeous--eye candy--if somewhat diminutive in dimensions. But the boat was most comfortable, either under sail or at the dock. She always drew comments from passers-by. As a daysailer, I'd certainly want something lighter, faster, and less substantial. For weeklong trips I'd probably find the W32 acceptable, provided I was in no hurry. The reason for that statement is that Lake Michigan, where we sail, generally find a way to give us light air from the wrong direction whenever we take a week or two cruise. Under diesel--a 24hp Universal in my friend's case--she makes 5.5kts without straining. On the Atlantic Coast, where you reside, it might be a suitable short-cruise vessel. For long-distance cruising, I think the boat is almost without peer in its size range. It's a boat I'd cross an ocean in without giving a second thought to the integrity of the hull and deck lay-ups. Before buying the boat you're looking at, I'd ask to spend a few hours below deck, especially on a hot day. It can seem very small below, especially for more than just a couple. For a solo sailor, or a not-overly-large couple, the boat is perfect. Good luck, Max |
Westsail 32 - opinions
For a solo sailor, or a not-overly-large couple, the boat is perfect. I agree to some degree, but your boat is really quite capable of an ocean voyage, is also very solidly built and is a LOT more fun to sail. The question comes as to whether the W32 is overbuilt or grotesquely overbuilt. An off the rack Caliber or Island Packet is probably just as capable, more fun to sail and a lot more pleasing to be aboard much of the time. Of course I'm a Long Island Sound sailor where such boats, even Cape Dory's are thought of as motorsailors. Finally...does one buy a vessel for typcial sailing conditions or the Perfect Storm? Robert B Beneteau 35s5 NY |
Westsail 32 - opinions
"Charlie Morgan" wrote
I'm interested in opinions on Westsail 32's in general. It's the perfect boat for a fictional character. Maxprop wrote: "Wetsnail" 32s are seriously overbuilt, which can be a distinct advantage when the going gets rough. Well, they're very heavily built. That's not necessarily the same as being very strongly built. I understand there were several different builders and some QA problems. Remember the story from the Baja, where a sudden storm blew a lot of anchroed cruising boats ashore, including a Westsail 32 and an Olson 40. The Olson had scratches. The Westsail was in pieces. You may recall the one that survived "The Perfect Storm" despite being abandoned. A great recommendation for somebody who is going to ignore weather forecasts. FWIW almost any boat that didn't have major leaks is likely to survive a really bad storm, provided she doesn't encounter a really bad combination of waves by chance. OTOH, if the luck is really bad, nothing is going to survive no matter how heavy. A friend had one for years, and while I used to blow him a lot of crap about it, it really was a boat of some merit. In light air it could be terribly frustrating. Under 10kts. it generally sailed along at 3kts. or so and just didn't seem to 'free up.' It was not particularly weatherly in such winds, leading one to use the diesel to weather in anything under 15kts. Your friend must have had good sails, a lightly loaded boat, and been a good sailor. I've never seen one move at all under sail when there were't whitecaps. However when the wind blew (15kts. and above) it came into its element. We often beat longer, faster boats, such as C&C 34s and 36s to weather, and on beam or close reaches. ?? ?? You're joking. Or the other boats were anchored. ... Downwind she doesn't make that sort of speed, but she wasn't particularly slow either. We once sailed her on a beam reach for about 12 straight hours of 20+ kts.--made a bit better than 80nm, and in complete comfort. Comfort is the strong point. The boats feel very solid and the motion is very smooth. Kinda small inside but the factory offered layouts were very practical and made the most. Just before he sold the boat and bought a trawler we installed a couple of thru-hulls. That hull near the point where the bottom fairs into the keel is amazingly thick--about 1.5"+ solid lay-up. I saw a guy putting a thru-hull in a one of the more piratey-looking crab crushers, and he had been bragging about his thick thick thick hull. "Back then, they didn't know how strong fiberglass was" was one of his favorite sayings. Well, as he worked on the hull, he started finding odd things.... hull lay-up with headlines, or scraps of what looked like indoor-outdoor carpet. I'm not saying Westsail did stuff like that. I'm just saying that really really thick fiberglass is not, all by itself, a great recommendation. .... Under diesel--a 24hp Universal in my friend's case--she makes 5.5kts without straining. I think "without strain" is a good descriptor for the whole boat & it's operation. The cockpit is well laid out, as is the deck although it's bit crowded for my taste. The rig & it's gear is properly done and nothing takes gut-busting effort. I love the bulwarks. The nicest thing is that the boat is very steady underfoot, no bounciness... anti-bouncy, if anything. One downside of this characteristic is that they tend to throw spray in a chop. The Westsail 32 is often described as a "Colin Archer" type but it's really not. It's more like a workboat that looks Colin Archer-ish. There is little flare and little keel salient. Fresh Breezes- Doug King |
Westsail 32 - opinions
"Capt. Rob" wrote in message oups.com... For a solo sailor, or a not-overly-large couple, the boat is perfect. I agree to some degree, but your boat is really quite capable of an ocean voyage, is also very solidly built and is a LOT more fun to sail. The question comes as to whether the W32 is overbuilt or grotesquely overbuilt. An off the rack Caliber or Island Packet is probably just as capable, more fun to sail and a lot more pleasing to be aboard much of the time. Of course I'm a Long Island Sound sailor where such boats, even Cape Dory's are thought of as motorsailors. Finally...does one buy a vessel for typcial sailing conditions or the Perfect Storm? Robert B Beneteau 35s5 NY The average boater buys for "typical sailing conditions," then lives in fear of getting caught out in anything stronger than 15 knots. I'll take the Wetsnail over a modern putty boat any day of the week, and twice on Sundays. |
Westsail 32 - opinions
Maxprop wrote:
"Wetsnail" 32s are seriously overbuilt, which can be a distinct advantage when the going gets rough. You may recall the one that survived "The Perfect Storm" despite being abandoned. A friend had one for years, and while I used to blow him a lot of crap about it, it really was a boat of some merit. In light air it could be terribly frustrating. Under 10kts. it generally sailed along at 3kts. or so and just didn't seem to 'free up.' It was not particularly weatherly in such winds, leading one to use the diesel to weather in anything under 15kts. Was that John O. from Grand Rapids? |
Westsail 32 - opinions
Charlie Morgan wrote:
On 3 Dec 2006 14:25:43 -0800, "Capt. Rob" wrote: For a solo sailor, or a not-overly-large couple, the boat is perfect. I agree to some degree, but your boat is really quite capable of an ocean voyage, is also very solidly built and is a LOT more fun to sail. The question comes as to whether the W32 is overbuilt or grotesquely overbuilt. An off the rack Caliber or Island Packet is probably just as capable, more fun to sail and a lot more pleasing to be aboard much of the time. Of course I'm a Long Island Sound sailor where such boats, even Cape Dory's are thought of as motorsailors. Finally...does one buy a vessel for typcial sailing conditions or the Perfect Storm? Robert B Beneteau 35s5 NY Cape Dorys are motor sailers? Where did you come up with that? CWM I was wondering the same thing...I've never heard anyone refer to them as a motor sailor... |
Westsail 32 - opinions
My bad, Charlie...I got the worng boat...Michael replied:
Michael Orton wrote: Ect chew lee (actually) I have a proper British built boat, a Westerly Berwick 31 twin keeler.....but I can vouch for the worth of W32's as good cruising/liveaboard boats..... M. On 12/3/06, katy wrote: Mike..if you send me a reply I'll post it for you since you are probably not siubscribed anymore... Charlie Morgan wrote: On Sun, 03 Dec 2006 16:44:06 -0500, katy wrote: Charlie Morgan wrote: I'm interested in opinions on Westsail 32's in general. The one I'm considering is factory finished with the dinette layout. It has been constantly maintained and upgraded since new, so condition is not a big worry. This is not a bargin priced derelict. Of course I'll have a survey done if things progress that far. This one was made without teak decks, which to me, is a major plus. Low hours on the Yanmar. I'm more interested in hearing about how the boat sails and what it is like to spend long periods aboard. I already like the looks and the size, although I've also considered some larger boats. The boat would be used initially for frequent daysails (often single handed) long weekends, and cruises of a week or two at most. In a few years, we'd be on the boat for six or more months at a time. Once we transition to the longer term situation, we might even consider leaving it somewhere nice like the Med, and flying to the boat. I've long admired these boats, but I've never spent more than an afternoon on one. CWM Michael Ortin has a Westsail...want me to forward on your post since he no longer reads asa? Thanks. I'd appreciate it. CWM |
Westsail 32 - opinions
"katy" wrote My bad, Charlie...I got the worng boat... Duh! Cheers, Ellen |
Westsail 32 - opinions
"katy" wrote My bad, Charlie...I got the worng boat... From Google Groups : katysails s/v Chanteuse Kirie Elite 32 http://katysails.tripod.com I agree with you. You did get the *worng* boat. Cheers, Ellen |
Westsail 32 - opinions
"Charlie Morgan" wrote You must have misunderstood. I asked for input about the Westsail 32 from SAILORS with EXPERIENCE. You don't qualify, trawler boy. Shut up and maybe you will learn something. Errrr, you never said anything about input from sailors with experience...... Try to act civil. DSK is very knowledgeable. Cheers, Ellen |
Westsail 32 - opinions
Charlie Morgan wrote:
You must have misunderstood. I asked for input about the Westsail 32 from SAILORS with EXPERIENCE. Was I talking to you? Anyway, when you have as much SAILING experience as I have, you won't need to ask for opinions on the internet. Given that you're already older than me, it's doubtful you're ever going to catch up. There are Westsail 32 owners groups & web sites, you could email them directly *if* you really wanted info. DSK |
Westsail 32 - opinions
"KLC Lewis" wrote in message
et... "Capt. Rob" wrote in message oups.com... For a solo sailor, or a not-overly-large couple, the boat is perfect. I agree to some degree, but your boat is really quite capable of an ocean voyage, is also very solidly built and is a LOT more fun to sail. The question comes as to whether the W32 is overbuilt or grotesquely overbuilt. An off the rack Caliber or Island Packet is probably just as capable, more fun to sail and a lot more pleasing to be aboard much of the time. Of course I'm a Long Island Sound sailor where such boats, even Cape Dory's are thought of as motorsailors. Finally...does one buy a vessel for typcial sailing conditions or the Perfect Storm? Robert B Beneteau 35s5 NY The average boater buys for "typical sailing conditions," then lives in fear of getting caught out in anything stronger than 15 knots. I'll take the Wetsnail over a modern putty boat any day of the week, and twice on Sundays. Out here, the typical sailing conditions are 20kts or more, and it's not that unusual to see over 30kts in the summer months. I dread the days when they're under 10kts, although it does make for excellent scenary/photography for guests. -- "j" ganz @@ www.sailnow.com |
Westsail 32 - opinions
Capt. JG wrote:
The question comes as to whether the W32 is overbuilt or grotesquely overbuilt. An off the rack Caliber or Island Packet is probably just as capable, more fun to sail and a lot more pleasing to be aboard much of the time. Of course I'm a Long Island Sound sailor where such boats, even Cape Dory's are thought of as motorsailors. Finally...does one buy a vessel for typcial sailing conditions or the Perfect Storm? Robert B Beneteau 35s5 NY The average boater buys for "typical sailing conditions," then lives in fear of getting caught out in anything stronger than 15 knots. I'll take the Wetsnail over a modern putty boat any day of the week, and twice on Sundays. Out here, the typical sailing conditions are 20kts or more, and it's not that unusual to see over 30kts in the summer months. I dread the days when they're under 10kts, although it does make for excellent scenary/photography for guests. And yet, the average wind in SF is lighter than in NY at LaGuardia or in Boston at Logan. Of course, SF has its strongest wind in the summer while we have it in the winter. http://lwf.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/...d/avgwind.html |
Westsail 32 - opinions
"Jeff" wrote in message
. .. Capt. JG wrote: The question comes as to whether the W32 is overbuilt or grotesquely overbuilt. An off the rack Caliber or Island Packet is probably just as capable, more fun to sail and a lot more pleasing to be aboard much of the time. Of course I'm a Long Island Sound sailor where such boats, even Cape Dory's are thought of as motorsailors. Finally...does one buy a vessel for typcial sailing conditions or the Perfect Storm? Robert B Beneteau 35s5 NY The average boater buys for "typical sailing conditions," then lives in fear of getting caught out in anything stronger than 15 knots. I'll take the Wetsnail over a modern putty boat any day of the week, and twice on Sundays. Out here, the typical sailing conditions are 20kts or more, and it's not that unusual to see over 30kts in the summer months. I dread the days when they're under 10kts, although it does make for excellent scenary/photography for guests. And yet, the average wind in SF is lighter than in NY at LaGuardia or in Boston at Logan. Of course, SF has its strongest wind in the summer while we have it in the winter. http://lwf.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/...d/avgwind.html You're talking about airports. I'm talking about the slot. -- "j" ganz @@ www.sailnow.com |
Westsail 32 - opinions
"Capt. Rob" wrote in message oups.com... For a solo sailor, or a not-overly-large couple, the boat is perfect. I agree to some degree, but your boat is really quite capable of an ocean voyage, is also very solidly built and is a LOT more fun to sail. The question comes as to whether the W32 is overbuilt or grotesquely overbuilt. An off the rack Caliber or Island Packet is probably just as capable, more fun to sail and a lot more pleasing to be aboard much of the time. Those would also be one hell of a lot more expensive. The nicest aspect of W32s these days is their prices. Of course I'm a Long Island Sound sailor where such boats, even Cape Dory's are thought of as motorsailors. Finally...does one buy a vessel for typcial sailing conditions or the Perfect Storm? That was my point in a nutshell. I wouldn't own a boat of the W32's nature, primarily because most of my sailing is daysailing and week-long cruising at this point. But the Passport 40 we've been looking at would still be my choice for offshore work. Max |
Westsail 32 - opinions
"KLC Lewis" wrote in message et... The average boater buys for "typical sailing conditions," then lives in fear of getting caught out in anything stronger than 15 knots. I'll take the Wetsnail over a modern putty boat any day of the week, and twice on Sundays. The competent sailor has confidence in his abilities and knows his limitations. The "average boater" you describe above is a typical Catalina 30 owner who never really learned to sail and doesn't know enough about heavy weather sailing to be anything but a hazard to himself and his passengers. His Catalina is stout enough to handle 70kts and big waves, but he most likely isn't. If he knew what he was doing, he wouldn't need an overbuilt boat like the Wetsnail. Max |
Westsail 32 - opinions
"Maxprop" wrote in message ink.net... "KLC Lewis" wrote in message et... The average boater buys for "typical sailing conditions," then lives in fear of getting caught out in anything stronger than 15 knots. I'll take the Wetsnail over a modern putty boat any day of the week, and twice on Sundays. The competent sailor has confidence in his abilities and knows his limitations. The "average boater" you describe above is a typical Catalina 30 owner who never really learned to sail and doesn't know enough about heavy weather sailing to be anything but a hazard to himself and his passengers. His Catalina is stout enough to handle 70kts and big waves, but he most likely isn't. If he knew what he was doing, he wouldn't need an overbuilt boat like the Wetsnail. Max So are you saying that the "average" sailor is also a competent one? |
Westsail 32 - opinions
"DSK" wrote in message ... Maxprop wrote: FWIW almost any boat that didn't have major leaks is likely to survive a really bad storm, provided she doesn't encounter a really bad combination of waves by chance. OTOH, if the luck is really bad, nothing is going to survive no matter how heavy. From the damage sustained by that boat, it was assumed that the waves had rolled it several times, or perhaps pitchpoled the boat. Are you implying that, say, a Hunter 30 built during the same general period would have fared as well? A friend had one for years, and while I used to blow him a lot of crap about it, it really was a boat of some merit. In light air it could be terribly frustrating. Under 10kts. it generally sailed along at 3kts. or so and just didn't seem to 'free up.' It was not particularly weatherly in such winds, leading one to use the diesel to weather in anything under 15kts. Your friend must have had good sails, a lightly loaded boat, and been a good sailor. I've never seen one move at all under sail when there were't whitecaps. You must not have had much experience with them. His was an owner-finished boat. The interior was gorgeous, but no concession was made to light weight joinerwork. Everything was teak and overbuilt below as well. My friend's sails were new when I first sailed with him, and he indeed was a fine sailor, and the boat moved very well in 15kts. However when the wind blew (15kts. and above) it came into its element. We often beat longer, faster boats, such as C&C 34s and 36s to weather, and on beam or close reaches. ?? ?? You're joking. Or the other boats were anchored. No joke. If I had a dollar for every time we passed faster, leaner boats under those conditions, especially around 20kts. or better, I wouldn't be rich, but I could probably buy a new pair of Topsiders. Above 15kts. the lightweight boats reduce sail. The Wetsnail (sloop, in this case) carried full sail to 40kts. with my friend at the helm. I typically reduced sail a bit sooner, but then I prefer to keep a boat on its feet. Max |
Westsail 32 - opinions
"katy" wrote in message ... Was that John O. from Grand Rapids? No. Larry Sullivan. Max |
Westsail 32 - opinions
"Maxprop" wrote in message nk.net... "DSK" wrote in message ... Maxprop wrote: FWIW almost any boat that didn't have major leaks is likely to survive a really bad storm, provided she doesn't encounter a really bad combination of waves by chance. OTOH, if the luck is really bad, nothing is going to survive no matter how heavy. From the damage sustained by that boat, it was assumed that the waves had rolled it several times, or perhaps pitchpoled the boat. Are you implying that, say, a Hunter 30 built during the same general period would have fared as well? A friend had one for years, and while I used to blow him a lot of crap about it, it really was a boat of some merit. In light air it could be terribly frustrating. Under 10kts. it generally sailed along at 3kts. or so and just didn't seem to 'free up.' It was not particularly weatherly in such winds, leading one to use the diesel to weather in anything under 15kts. Your friend must have had good sails, a lightly loaded boat, and been a good sailor. I've never seen one move at all under sail when there were't whitecaps. You must not have had much experience with them. His was an owner-finished boat. The interior was gorgeous, but no concession was made to light weight joinerwork. Everything was teak and overbuilt below as well. My friend's sails were new when I first sailed with him, and he indeed was a fine sailor, and the boat moved very well in 15kts. However when the wind blew (15kts. and above) it came into its element. We often beat longer, faster boats, such as C&C 34s and 36s to weather, and on beam or close reaches. ?? ?? You're joking. Or the other boats were anchored. No joke. If I had a dollar for every time we passed faster, leaner boats under those conditions, especially around 20kts. or better, I wouldn't be rich, but I could probably buy a new pair of Topsiders. Above 15kts. the lightweight boats reduce sail. The Wetsnail (sloop, in this case) carried full sail to 40kts. with my friend at the helm. I typically reduced sail a bit sooner, but then I prefer to keep a boat on its feet. Max Just think of all that excess loading on the sails and rigging. |
Westsail 32 - opinions
"KLC Lewis" wrote in message et... "Maxprop" wrote in message ink.net... "KLC Lewis" wrote in message et... The average boater buys for "typical sailing conditions," then lives in fear of getting caught out in anything stronger than 15 knots. I'll take the Wetsnail over a modern putty boat any day of the week, and twice on Sundays. The competent sailor has confidence in his abilities and knows his limitations. The "average boater" you describe above is a typical Catalina 30 owner who never really learned to sail and doesn't know enough about heavy weather sailing to be anything but a hazard to himself and his passengers. His Catalina is stout enough to handle 70kts and big waves, but he most likely isn't. If he knew what he was doing, he wouldn't need an overbuilt boat like the Wetsnail. Max So are you saying that the "average" sailor is also a competent one? To the contrary. The average sailor is like the average golfer--good enough to play the game but not to score well. Max |
Westsail 32 - opinions
"Gilligan" wrote in message Just think of all that excess loading on the sails and rigging. . . . which for a Wetsnail is no problem. Everything is overbuilt, including the rigging. Most W32 owners specify their sails in the very heavy fabric range. Max |
Westsail 32 - opinions
"Maxprop" wrote in message ink.net... To the contrary. The average sailor is like the average golfer--good enough to play the game but not to score well. Max That is laughable. The average sailor is nothing like the average golfer. The average golfer is out on the course regularly. He spends more time golfing than talking about golf. He has pride in his game. The average sailor sits around and jaw jacks about sailing more than he actually sails. His verbiage consists of the transparent sort that leads a competent listener to conclude forthwith that he is full of ****. But, you are correct, sir, when you allude to the specific of competency level. I could posit a golfer who never swung a club being able to negotiate a golf course with greater dispatch than a new sailor with a new boat being able to negotiate a crowded inlet with aplomb if not without incident. In general, people who sail don't take it seriously, instead they use sailing as a means of escape. In most cases they are escaping a life consisting of one shameful failure after another, thus they have no expectations other than failure when it comes to sailing. Should they screw up to a grand extent, they can always write a horror story and submit it to a sailing magazine which will happily and with great dispatch print it knowing their readers will readily identify with it and lap it up like so much milk and honey. It's par for the sailing course! Such is the sad state of sailing. Paladin, (Have gun - will travel) -- Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com |
Westsail 32 - opinions
Paladin wrote: To the contrary. The average sailor is like the average golfer--good enough to play the game but not to score well. Max That is laughable. The average sailor is nothing like the average golfer. In general, people who sail don't take it seriously, instead they use sailing as a means of escape. In most cases they are escaping a life consisting of one shameful failure after another, thus they have no expectations other than failure when it comes to sailing. Should they screw up to a grand extent, they can always write a horror story and submit it to a sailing magazine which will happily and with great dispatch print it knowing their readers will readily identify with it and lap it up like so much milk and honey. It's par for the sailing course! Such is the sad state of sailing. Paladin, So where would you place yourself in that discription? |
Westsail 32 - opinions
In general, people who sail don't take it seriously, instead they use sailing as a means of escape. In most cases they are escaping a life consisting of one shameful failure after another, thus they have no expectations other than failure when it comes to sailing. In general people who sail like to go sailing. They generally have fun no matter how "seriously" they approach it. Then there is a small minority who appear to be obsessed, worried and jealous of how others enjoy their boats. I have only encountered the latter online and for the most part even those folks are just kidding. Let's hope you are as well. Robert B Beneteau 35s5 NY See our Heart of Gold under sail.... http://youtube.com/watch?v=d0nSgsgOApg |
All times are GMT +1. The time now is 10:22 PM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Copyright ©2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright ©2004 - 2014 BoatBanter.com