The Westerly Konsort Duo 29 1985 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 Konsort Duo 29 1985 at 28,1 ft versus Westerly Merlin 28 Fin keel Fin keel 1984 at 28,8 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Westerly Konsort Duo 29 1985 tips the scales at 10 097 lbs — 2 403 lbs more than the Westerly Merlin 28 Fin keel Fin keel 1984 at 7 694 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.
Both boats are rated for 8 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Westerly Konsort Duo 29 1985 displaces 10 097 lbs — a 2 403-lb difference over the Westerly Merlin 28 Fin keel Fin keel 1984 at 7 694 lbs. That gap separates two entirely different categories of sailing: the heavier boat is built for offshore passage-making and load-carrying, while the lighter hull rewards performance sailing and easier handling in lighter air.
Draft is a practical consideration that many buyers underestimate until they're already at the marina. The Westerly Merlin 28 Fin keel Fin keel 1984 draws 5,0 ft, compared to 3,4 ft for the Westerly Konsort Duo 29 1985. That 1,6-foot difference affects which anchorages you can access, which haul-out facilities will take you, and how carefully you need to read the tide tables in shallower cruising grounds.
The Westerly Konsort Duo 29 1985 uses Sloop rigging.
Hull speed is rated at 6,8 knots for the Westerly Konsort Duo 29 1985 and 6,5 knots for the Westerly Merlin 28 Fin keel Fin keel 1984. For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Westerly Konsort Duo 29 1985 carries 119 gallons versus 20 gallons on the Westerly Merlin 28 Fin keel Fin keel 1984 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Westerly Konsort Duo 29 1985 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 10 097 lbs displacement and 28 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Westerly Merlin 28 Fin keel Fin keel 1984 at 7 694 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.