US 29 Information, Review, Specs

Production of the US 29 commenced in 1977, coinciding with the latter years of Bayliner's decade-long foray into sailboat manufacturing, which spanned from 1970 to 1979. The vessel's design, attributed to Douglas Peterson, was, notably, "unauthorized" by the designer himself, a practice not uncommon for Bayliner during a period where they sometimes based models on "splashed" copies of other builders' designs. Peterson was a prominent figure in yacht design, particularly acclaimed for his IOR racing yachts, including the famous One Tonner Ganbare.

The US 29's hull lineage is intricate, being described as a "slightly modified and later version" of the Buccaneer 295. The Buccaneer 295 itself was derived from Peterson's earlier Half Ton designs, such as the Peterson 30 1/2 Ton and the Chaser 29, both of which were designed as IOR racers in the mid-1970s. This heritage provided the US 29 with a performance-oriented foundation, despite Bayliner's general focus on prioritizing interior amenities over pure racing performance in their sailboat lines. When Bayliner ultimately ceased sailboat production in 1979, the molds for the US 29 were reportedly sold to Pearson Yachts, where the design was briefly produced as a "Triton 30."

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Bayliner US 29, with its design roots in IOR Half Ton racers, demonstrates a commendable blend of performance and stability. Its calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 17.3 suggests a boat capable of respectable performance in light to moderate winds, indicating it is not overly burdened for its sail plan. The Ballast to Displacement ratio of about 0.407 points to a good level of initial stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a decent breeze and provide a comfortable motion. With a Displacement to Length ratio around 277, the US 29 falls into a moderate displacement category, suggesting a solid, capable cruiser rather than an ultralight racer, yet still retaining agility.

Anecdotal descriptions of its predecessor, the Buccaneer 295, from which the US 29 is directly derived, praise its "superior performance" with a "deep keel and lean hull form" that makes "upwind sailing a pleasure." This indicates that the US 29, equipped with a fin keel and spade rudder, would inherit these nimble and efficient handling characteristics, a testament to its IOR design heritage. Its responsiveness and ability to track well would likely appeal to sailors who appreciate a boat with a livelier feel at the helm.

Accommodations and Layout

Consistent with Bayliner's general design philosophy for its sailboats, the US 29 would have prioritized comfortable and family-friendly interior layouts. While specific detailed diagrams for the US 29 interior are scarce, its close design relation to the Peterson 30 Half Ton and Buccaneer 295 allows for reasonable inferences about its typical arrangement. Often, boats of this size and era would feature a conventional layout: a V-berth forward, providing sleeping quarters for two, followed by an enclosed head compartment. The main salon would typically include opposing settees that could double as berths, often with a folding table in between. A compact galley area, likely equipped with a sink, stove, and icebox, would be situated near the companionway.

Given Bayliner's focus on affordability, the interior finish would likely have been functional and robust, featuring practical materials, possibly with some wood trim to enhance the aesthetic. While not designed for luxurious accommodations, the interior would have been laid out to maximize usable space for coastal cruising and weekend trips. Some owners of related Bayliner models have undertaken interior modifications, suggesting that the original finish, while adequate, could be enhanced for modern tastes or specific needs.