Westerly Centaur
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XPresented For Sale By:
| Make | Westerly |
|---|---|
| Model | Centaur |
| Year | 1978 |
| Condition | Used |
| Price | £7,750 |
| Type | Sail |
| Class | Cruiser |
| Length | 7.9 m |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Hull Material | Fibreglass |
| Location | Southampton, Hampshire, United Kingdom |
| Tax Status | Tax Paid |
| LOA | 7.9 m |
|---|---|
| Beam | 2.5 m |
| Max Draft | 0.9 m |
| Keel Type | enums.keel-type.kt-twin-keel |
| Displacement | 3039 kg |
| Engine Type | Inboard |
|---|---|
| Engine Make | Yanmar |
| Engine Model | Yanmar 3YM20 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Power | 20 hp |
| Drive Type | Direct Drive |
| Engine Location | enums.engine-location.center |
| Covers |
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|---|---|
| Electrical Equipment |
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| Electronics |
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| Inside Equipment |
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| Outside Equipment/Extras |
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| Sails |
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| Designer | Laurent Giles |
|---|---|
| Builder | Westerly |
Description
1978 Westerly Centaur – Snowfire
Kemps Marina, Southampton
A fine example of the ever-popular Westerly Centaur, Snowfire is a 1978 bilge-keel yacht that has clearly benefited from careful ownership and sensible upgrading. She is presented in excellent condition, is well equipped, and is ready to sail immediately – an ideal coastal cruiser for a couple or small family.
Designed by Laurent Giles and built by Westerly Yachts, the Centaur has long been admired for her solid construction, reassuring handling and ability to take the ground safely on her twin bilge keels. With a shallow draft of just 3ft, Snowfire is equally at home exploring drying harbours and creeks as she is cruising the Solent and beyond.
The current owner has enjoyed her since February 2023 and is only selling due to the purchase of a larger yacht.
Construction & Dimensions
GRP hull, deck and superstructure
Twin iron bilge keels
Timber tiller steering
LOA: 26ft (7.9m)
Beam: 8ft 5in (2.5m)
Draft: 3ft (0.9m)
Displacement: 3,039kg
Engine & Machinery
Yanmar 3YM20 diesel with 2.21:1 gearbox (professionally fitted November 2020)
Heat-exchanger cooling
Last serviced: November 2025
Keels slurry blasted and treated with Fertan rust inhibitor (May 2002)
Rig & Sails
Masthead sloop rig
Aluminium spars (gold anodised)
Plastimo jib reefing system
New standing rigging – February 2024
Sails:
New Crusader in-mast mainsail – June 2024
Cruising chute
Electrics & Navigation
12V engine battery
12V domestic battery
Victron SmartSolar controller with coachroof solar panel (Bluetooth)
Victron 240V AC battery charger (Bluetooth)
Victron smart shunt (Bluetooth)
Standard Horizon GX240GPS/E VHF with AIS
Raymarine ST2000+ tiller autopilot
Autohelm ST50 depth sounder
Autohelm ST50 speed/log
Autohelm wind indicator
New Osculati LED navigation lights (2025) – masthead, stern and bi-colour
Shore power connection
Accommodation & Heating
The accommodation is clean and well cared for, retaining the original red upholstery, which remains in good order. Curtains were fitted in 2023.
Please note: the forepeak and heads do not currently have headlining. The present owner felt this was unnecessary, and it has no impact on use, but a new owner may wish to reinstate headlining to suit personal preference.
Autoterm Boat diesel heater (2kW) – fitted December 2023
Galley
Dometic Origo 3000 spirit/alcohol stove (fitted)
Plastimo Neptune 2000 stainless steel gas cooker (2-burner hob & grill) – included but not fitted
Heads
LAVAC manual toilet with new pump and pipework – 2024
Safety Equipment
2 x automatic lifejackets
2 x harness lines (2024)
Seago horseshoe lifebuoy with bracket & light (2025)
2 x fire extinguishers
Fire blanket
12V automatic bilge pump
Manual bilge pump
Deck Gear & Ground Tackle
Lewmar self-tailing winches
Danforth main anchor
12kg kedge anchor with 8m chain and 10m warp
Fenders and mooring lines
Boarding ladder
Covers & Canvas
Sprayhood (windows replaced 2023)
Blue dodgers
Sunshade / cockpit tent
Additional Equipment
Inflatable dinghy
New Hampshire Plastics perspex washboards (August 2024)
Summary
Snowfire represents an excellent opportunity to acquire a thoughtfully upgraded Westerly Centaur with a strong engine, recent rigging and sails, modern electrics and heating – all wrapped up in a proven, confidence-inspiring design. She is afloat at Kemps Marina, Southampton, and ready to sail.
Early viewing is highly recommended.
Disclaimer
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
