Cascade 29 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Cascade 29 began in 1961, and it became one of Yacht Constructors' most prolific models, with approximately 355 units eventually produced. The company, founded in 1954, gained an early reputation for constructing large sailboat hulls using pioneering fiberglass techniques, famously demonstrating the material's resilience by subjecting a sample to gunfire. This ethos of strength and integrity was carried into the Cascade 29. A notable aspect of the 29's production was that many units were sold as bare hulls, allowing owners the unique opportunity to customize their boat's interior to their specific needs and preferences. Robert A. Smith's design for the Cascade 29, featuring a fin keel with a bulb and a spade rudder, reflected a balance between performance and seaworthiness, consistent with his background from Sparkman & Stephens and Cascade's overall philosophy of building capable cruising boats, 13].

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Cascade 29 is characterized as a moderate-weight sailboat that offers reasonably good performance. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 17.08, the boat is generally considered a good performer in varied conditions, rather than a dedicated light-air racer. Its Ballast to Displacement ratio of about 31.73% contributes to its reputation for being reasonably stable and stiff, possessing excellent righting capability. The Displacement to Length ratio of around 242 positions the Cascade 29 firmly in the category of a comfortable cruiser, indicating a heavier, more traditional build rather than a lightweight performance machine.

While generally well-regarded for its handling, some owners note that its performance to weather may not be exceptional due to its underbody design. Despite this, the Cascade 29 is known for its ability to handle challenging conditions, with owners reporting it can manage significant seas, such as 8-foot waves on Lake Michigan. Under power, the boat typically handles well in calmer conditions. The Cascade 29's robust build lends itself to comfortable motion in a seaway, a characteristic praised by owners of Cascade yachts generally.

Accommodations and Layout

Due to the common practice of selling the Cascade 29 as a bare hull, the interior accommodations and layout can vary significantly from one vessel to another. This owner-finished aspect means that while some boats feature well-executed and comfortable interiors, others may reflect less professional craftsmanship, ranging from "pretty disastrous" to quite nice. Therefore, a definitive standard interior arrangement is difficult to describe. Typically, a vessel of this size would include basic cruising amenities such as a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a table, a compact galley, and a marine head. The general quality of finish, choice of materials (e.g., wood trim versus fiberglass liners), and the extent of storage and ventilation would largely depend on the original owner's finishing efforts and subsequent modifications.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Cascade 29 often praise the inherent strength and seaworthiness of these vessels, a direct result of Yacht Constructors' meticulous hand lay-up construction method, which has earned their hulls a legendary status for durability. Many appreciate the boat's solid feel and its ability to handle adverse weather conditions. The customization aspect, while leading to varied interior finishes, also allowed owners to tailor their boats to their specific cruising needs, fostering a strong sense of pride and individuality within the owner community.

However, the owner-finished nature also leads to the most frequently mentioned challenge: inconsistent interior quality. Prospective buyers often need to carefully inspect the interior finish and systems, as these can range widely. Common maintenance considerations, typical of older vessels, include potential engine issues, especially with original installations like the Universal Atomic 4. Owners planning long voyages are advised to thoroughly inspect and potentially replace standing rigging if its age is unknown or exceeds ten years. Despite these potential variations, the Cascade 29 maintains a strong and dedicated following, with a vibrant owner community that values the boat's enduring reliability and classic design, 9].