The Westerly Merlin 28 Twin keel Twin keel 1984 vs Westerly Pageant (sold) 1972 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.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Westerly Merlin 28 Twin keel Twin keel 1984 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Westerly Pageant (sold) 1972 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 Twin keel Twin keel 1984 could be the deciding factor.
The Westerly Merlin 28 Twin keel Twin keel 1984 has a documented displacement of 8 036 lbs. Displacement data wasn't available for the other boat in this comparison.
Sailboat comparisons often come down to details that specs don't fully capture — the quality of the standing rigging, the layout of the cockpit, and how the boat feels on a beat in 20 knots. A sea trial on both is strongly recommended.
Bottom line: The Westerly Merlin 28 Twin keel Twin keel 1984 at 28,8 ft offers more living space, greater range, and a more substantial offshore capability. The Westerly Pageant (sold) 1972 at 23,0 ft is the easier, lower-cost option — simpler to crew and a strong choice for coastal and day sailing.