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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 |
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