Small Westerly yachts for affordable family cruising
Alexandra
Across UK marinas and drying harbours, small Westerly yachts in the 20–26ft range are frequently traded at values comparable to a good used dinghy, typically around £4,000–£7,000; their twin-keel or bilge-keel arrangements, light displacement and often trailerable proportions directly influence slipway hauling costs, mooring fees, and storage logistics for owners and charter operators alike.
Why small Westerlys still matter to family sailors and fleet operators
Westerly models built from the 1960s to the early 1980s occupy a practical niche: they combine robust GRP layup with commodious below-deck space for their length. For budget-conscious families or small-scale charter businesses, these boats represent an entry route into sheltered coastal cruising, drying harbours and tidal anchorages without the higher berthing and maintenance costs of larger yachts.
Key operational advantages include:
📚 You may also like
- Shallow draft options (twin or bilge keels) suitable for beaches, estuaries and slipway maintenance.
- Trailerability or easy craning for seasonal storage and reduced marina charges.
- Availability of parts and market supply — many hulls and fittings remain in circulation, making sourcing more straightforward than for rarer makes.
Project-boat reality: what refurbishment typically involves
Buying a bargain Westerly often means accepting a refurbishment sequence rather than a turnkey yacht. Typical cost drivers include engine reconditioning or replacement, headlining removal and refit, keel-bolt inspection and replacement, and antifouling and osmosis checks.
Common practical notes from refits:
- Headlining: old materials can be dusty and fibrous; safe removal requires PPE and, often, professional assistance.
- Hull inspection: superficial gelcoat lumps are not always osmosis; Westerly hull layup is generally stout, but check for soft blisters and bonded rivets at keel joints.
- Buoyancy and watertightness: original boats may lack adequate built-in buoyancy; retrofitting semi-watertight lockers and internal bulkheads extends survival time if the hull is holed.
- Keel and engine: keel bolts and small inboard or outboard engines (for example older Vire units) are frequent service items and can be expensive to renew.
Checklist before bidding or buying
| Inspection item | What to look for | Typical action |
|---|---|---|
| Keel bolts | Corrosion, movement | Survey and replace if suspect |
| Gelcoat/laminate | Blisters, soft areas | Polish vs. professional osmosis treatment |
| Headlining | Sagging, damp | Refit by specialist |
| Engine | Hours, noise, vibration | Rebuild or repower |
| Buoyancy | Original foam or reserves absent | Install semi-watertight lockers/buoyancy tanks |
Popular small Westerly models and their characteristics
The following models are commonly encountered on the UK market and are worth considering for family cruising, club racing or as additions to a small charter fleet.
Westerly 25 (W25)
Designed by Denys Rayner as a lengthened Westerly 22, the W25 is a masthead sloop with a spacious cockpit and generous foredeck. Approximately 180 were built. The triple- or twin-keel options and comfortable layout make it a classic candidate for modest refurbishments and family use.
Cirrus and Tiger
John Butler’s Cirrus (398 built) and Tiger (284 built) are fin-keeled designs that historically saw racing success. The Tiger is roughly 4ft longer than the Cirrus; both are sturdy and, when well-maintained, make lively short-handed cruisers. Short length can produce lively motions in certain quartering seas, but the boats are fundamentally robust.
Warwick, Pageant and Centaur family
Jack Laurent Giles designs such as the Warwick (21ft 6in), Pageant 23 (23ft 1in; 551 built) and the ubiquitous Centaur are known for knuckled bows that help lift into waves. Many of these models have twin keels ideal for drying out on tidal flats — a practical advantage for families seeking beach picnics and shallow-water exploration.
GK24 and Nimrod
The elegant GK24 (Laurent Giles/Chris Hawkins; ~320 built) offers racing lines and limited headroom; finish varies because many were completed at home. The Nimrod (Ian Proctor; 186 built) is a compact trailer-sailer with a lifting fin keel — a low-cost, nimble option for short cruises and sheltered-water rentals.
Price snapshot and market context
| Model | LOA (approx) | Keel | Built | Typical price (UK) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| W22/Westerly 22 | 22ft | bilge/twin | — | £3,500 |
| Cirrus | ~22ft | fin | 398 | £5,999 |
| GK24 | 24ft | fin | ~320 | £4,500 |
| Pageant 23 | 23ft 1in | twin | 551 | £5,000 |
| W25 | 25ft 1in | triple/twin | ~180 | Varies |
Refit as learning: why owning a project Westerly can be rewarding
Although total refit costs can push a project boat above the price of an already-refurbished hull, many owners value the process: hands-on renovation imparts intimate knowledge of systems, hull construction and rigging — an asset for safety and sensible maintenance. For families, converting a Cirrus or Pageant can produce surprising standing headroom and a comfortable layout in a compact package.
GetBoat perspective
GetBoat always keeps an eye on news related to sailing and seaside vacations, as we truly understand what it means to enjoy great leisure and love the ocean. The service values freedom, energy, and the ability to choose your own course, placing no limits on a good life and allowing clients to find a vessel that suits their preferences, budget, and taste. For couples, solo sailors or groups of friends, the platform highlights details like make, model and ratings to support transparent choices and quality time afloat.
While this market is primarily of national (UK) significance, it remains relevant to travelers and small charter managers worldwide: older Westerlys can be refurbished for local rental fleets or private use, supporting coastal tourism in tidal bays, marinas and quieter harbours.
If you are planning your next trip to the sea, you should definitely consider renting a boat (boat rentals, rent a boat, rent a yacht), as each inlet, bay, and lagoon is unique and tells you about the region just as much as the local cuisine, architecture, and language GetBoat.com
Highlights and final advice
Small Westerlys offer an affordable gateway into cruising: robust GRP construction, a range of keel options for tidal work, and a strong secondhand market. Key buying advice is to prioritise a professional survey (keel bolts, osmosis, engine condition), factor in refit timelines and costs, and consider how the boat’s draft and cockpit layout suit your preferred cruising grounds and leisure activities.
In summary, compact Westerly yachts remain appealing for families, budget-minded sailors and small charter operators: they can be economical to buy or restore, offer genuine cruising comforts, and are versatile in bays, marinas and tidal gulfs. Whether you seek a weekend sailing base, a modest charter yacht or a hands-on project to learn seamanship, options abound — yacht, charter, boat, beach, rent, lake, sailing, captain, sale, destinations, superyacht, activities, yachting, sea, ocean, boating, gulf, water, sunseeker, marinas, clearwater, fishing. Set sail.
