Chaser 29 Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Chaser 29 is deeply rooted in the competitive IOR racing scene of the 1970s. Production of the Chaser 29 commenced in 1975 by Chaser Yachts, a Canadian builder focused on performance fiberglass sailboats. The design itself emerged from Doug Peterson's successful prototype, "North Star," which achieved international recognition by winning the 1974 Half Ton Worlds in La Rochelle, France. This pedigree was further cemented when the production model, "Foxy Lady," clinched the Half Ton Worlds title the following year in Chicago, Illinois.

Doug Peterson, a prominent figure in yacht design, was renowned for his innovative and winning IOR designs, consistently emphasizing speed and competitive capabilities in his creations. Chaser Yachts, adhering to this performance ethos, constructed the Chaser 29 with a solid fiberglass hull and deck, a standard and durable material choice for the era that spoke to the builder's commitment to robust racing platforms. While Chaser Yachts focused on authorized production, the tooling for the Chaser 29 was later acquired by Bayliner at auction, leading to the unauthorized production of the Buccaneer 295. These copies featured a different deck and coachroof, but were never approved by Peterson.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Chaser 29's design ratios underscore its racing heritage and performance capabilities. With a calculated Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 17.58, the Chaser 29 suggests good performance, particularly in lighter air conditions, while still maintaining versatility across various wind strengths. Its Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of about 167.6 places it firmly in the lighter, more performance-oriented category of boats, indicating a design focused on speed and responsiveness rather than heavy displacement cruising.

While specific ballast figures are not consistently available, the Chaser 29's identity as an IOR Half Ton racer inherently implies a design engineered for stiffness and stability, allowing it to carry its generous sail plan effectively in a breeze. Owners and reviewers often note a balance between performance and comfort, with its fin keel and spade rudder contributing to nimble handling and a good feel at the helm. The boat is generally regarded as responsive and capable of standing up to its sail area, characteristics desirable for competitive sailing and spirited cruising alike. The Chaser 29 boasts a theoretical hull speed of 6.83 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the Chaser 29's interior accommodations and layout is less extensively documented than its racing prowess. As a 1970s IOR Half Ton racer, the interior was likely designed with functionality and racing utility in mind, providing essential amenities for a crew while emphasizing performance over lavish comforts. Typical layouts for boats of this class and era often included a V-berth forward, a basic head compartment, a compact galley, and a main salon with settees that could double as berths. Storage would have been adequate for racing gear and weekend cruising essentials. While detailed descriptions of finish quality or specific material use are scarce, it can be inferred that the interior, consistent with its fiberglass construction, would have been practical and durable, potentially featuring some wood trim to soften the interior spaces. Without explicit details, specific commentary on features such as ventilation beyond basic portlights and hatches cannot be made.