Pointin 29 Information, Review, Specs

This vessel's design philosophy appears to have prioritized a remarkably spacious hull for its size, making it a compelling option for sailors seeking both performance and livability.

History and Design

The Pointin 29's story begins with the triumph of its prototype, the "Pointin' Star," in the highly competitive 1975 Block Island Race Week, immediately establishing a reputation for speed and sailing efficiency. Production of the Pointin 29 officially commenced in 1976, initially undertaken by The Boat Company of Mystic. While Able Marine, founded by Crozer Fox in 1977 in Southwest Harbor, Maine, later became synonymous with high-quality yacht construction, the Pointin 29's builder_slug points to an early affiliation or subsequent production under the Able umbrella, embodying the region's strong boatbuilding traditions. Crozer Fox's ethos for Able Marine focused on uncompromising quality and robust performance, a philosophy that would have resonated with the Pointin 29's design goals.

Naval architect Bob Evelyn's design for the Pointin 29 aimed to create a sailboat that was not only competitive on the racecourse but also offered surprising interior volume. This dual purpose is evident in its overall dimensions and hull form. It is also noted that among the few Pointin 29s built, dimensions could vary significantly, and some cat-rigged versions were even constructed, indicating a degree of customization or evolution during its production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Pointin 29, with a length overall of 29.0 feet and a waterline length of 23.42 feet, is characterized by a design intended for spirited sailing. Its sail area to displacement ratio (SA/Disp) calculates to approximately 18.01. This figure suggests a lively performer, capable of excelling in lighter air conditions while still offering good control as the wind increases. The boat's displacement of 7,100 lbs combined with a ballast of 2,600 lbs yields a ballast to displacement ratio of around 0.366. This indicates moderate initial stability, providing a comfortable and relatively stiff ride for its class, capable of standing up to a decent breeze. The displacement to length ratio (Disp/LWL) of approximately 246.47 places the Pointin 29 firmly in the moderate displacement category, balancing cruising comfort with respectable speed.

Anecdotal reports suggest the Pointin 29 is a "moderate weight sailboat which is a good performer" and "very stable / stiff" for its size. Its hull design is credited with being "more comfortable than 15% of all similar sailboat designs," hinting at a motion through the water that prioritizes the crew's comfort without sacrificing performance. Its responsive handling and balance are often cited by sailors, contributing to an enjoyable experience whether cruising or engaging in club racing.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length, the Pointin 29 is noted for a surprisingly generous interior volume. The designer's choice of a "significantly more spacy hull design" resulted in interior accommodations that are reportedly "more spacy than 97% of all other designs" in its class. While specific interior layouts can vary, particularly given the note that dimensions differed among the few units built, the emphasis on space suggests a well-considered arrangement for its size.

Typically, such a design would include a V-berth forward, a compact head, a main salon with settees that may convert into berths, and a basic galley area. The focus on maximizing internal volume implies ample storage and potentially comfortable seating for its crew. The quality of finish would likely align with the high standards associated with early Maine-built yachts, featuring durable materials and practical design choices for offshore and coastal cruising alike.