The Westerly Griffon 26 Fin keel Fin keel 1979 vs Westerly Merlin 28 Fin keel Fin keel 1984 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Westerly Griffon 26 Fin keel Fin keel 1979 at 26,0 ft versus Westerly Merlin 28 Fin keel Fin keel 1984 at 28,8 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Westerly Merlin 28 Fin keel Fin keel 1984 tips the scales at 7 694 lbs — 1 794 lbs less than the Westerly Griffon 26 Fin keel Fin keel 1979 at 5 900 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The Westerly Griffon 26 Fin keel Fin keel 1979 carries a rated maximum of 20 hp. Engine data for the Westerly Merlin 28 Fin keel Fin keel 1984 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Westerly Merlin 28 Fin keel Fin keel 1984 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Westerly Griffon 26 Fin keel Fin keel 1979 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Westerly Merlin 28 Fin keel Fin keel 1984 could be the deciding factor.
Both boats sit in a similar displacement bracket — 5 900 lbs for the Westerly Griffon 26 Fin keel Fin keel 1979 and 7 694 lbs for the Westerly Merlin 28 Fin keel Fin keel 1984. Comparable displacement means broadly similar seakeeping behaviour and load capacity, though hull form and ballast ratio will still produce noticeably different sailing characteristics.
Both boats draw a similar depth — 4,1 ft and 5,0 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Westerly Griffon 26 Fin keel Fin keel 1979 uses Sloop rigging. The Westerly Griffon 26 Fin keel Fin keel 1979 has a documented auxiliary engine of 20 hp.
Hull speed is rated at 6,5 knots for the Westerly Merlin 28 Fin keel Fin keel 1984 and 6,2 knots for the Westerly Griffon 26 Fin keel Fin keel 1979.
Bottom line: The Westerly Merlin 28 Fin keel Fin keel 1984 at 28,8 ft offers more living space, greater range, and a more substantial offshore capability. The Westerly Griffon 26 Fin keel Fin keel 1979 at 26,0 ft is the easier, lower-cost option — simpler to crew and a strong choice for coastal and day sailing.