Scrapping a Centaur: Westerly Recycling at Birdham Pool Marina
New Life for a Classic: Salvaging a Westerly Centaur at Birdham Pool
At Boatbreakers, we see many “ongoing projects.” They usually start with the best of intentions, a dream of weekend cruising and the smell of fresh varnish. However, life often gets in the way, and there comes a point where a project transitions from a labour of love to a burden.
Recently, we were called to the picturesque Birdham Pool Marina to assist an owner who had officially “called time” on their Westerly Centaur. While it’s always a little sad to see a classic hull head for the scrapyard. This particular job was a goldmine for sustainable recycling and high-quality salvage.
The Treasure Trove Onboard
The Westerly Centaur is a legendary “tough little ship”. And because this owner had invested heavily before stopping work, the boat was packed with premium gear. Our team spent the morning carefully stripping the vessel, uncovering some incredible finds:
-
The Powerhouse: A reliable Volvo Penta engine in excellent condition.
-
Deck Hardware: A brand new Lewmar self-tailing winch and complete furling gear.
-
The Modern Touch: A suite of fairly new electronics that were a massive upgrade from the original 1970s kit.
-
The Finishing Detail: A complete, brand-new set of Westerly interior cushions, still crisp and ready for a cabin.
Circular Economy in Action
The beauty of the Boatbreakers Shop (Boatscrapyard.com) is that these parts don’t sit on a shelf for long. We are thrilled to report that every single one of these items, from the engine to those pristine cushions has already been sold.
By recycling the Centaur, we provided the owner with a clean break and ensured that other Westerly enthusiasts could keep their own boats on the water using affordable, high-quality parts. It’s the perfect example of the circular economy: one boat’s retirement fuelling another’s next adventure.
Looking to clear a project boat or find quality used parts? Visit the Boatbreakers yard today.
