King's Cruiser 29 Information, Review, Specs

The King's Cruiser 29 represents a significant evolution from its predecessor, the King's Cruiser 28. While the original 28-foot model, introduced in 1955, was a wooden vessel built in Sweden and known for its high-quality mahogany construction, the King's Cruiser 29 marked a transition to fiberglass construction and a masthead rig, with production beginning in 1968. This later fiberglass version was primarily built for export by Åbo Shipyard of Finland, with 246 units produced. The designer, Tord Sundén, famously associated with the ubiquitous Folkboat, imbued the King's Cruiser 29 with a philosophy centered on creating relatively inexpensive, tough, and practical boats suitable for small families and general cruising. While building on the success of the wooden 28, the 29 featured a fin keel and skeg-hung rudder, departing from the earlier boat's characteristics, and was noted for a "significantly more speedy hull design." Fiskars, the overarching builder, brought its extensive manufacturing experience to boat production during this period, having a long history rooted in metal production and a later, impactful foray into marine craft, albeit more widely known for its aluminum powerboats under the Buster brand.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The King's Cruiser 29, with a length overall of just over 28 feet and a waterline length of 23.25 feet, is characterized by its balanced sailing performance and stable handling. Its sail area to displacement ratio, at approximately 13.35, suggests that while not a dedicated light-air racer, the boat is well-powered and capable of making good progress, especially as the wind picks up. The high ballast-to-displacement ratio of around 0.45 indicates excellent stiffness and stability, allowing the King's Cruiser 29 to stand up to a strong breeze without excessive heeling. With a displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 242, it falls into the category of a moderately heavy cruiser, providing a comfortable motion in a seaway.

Anecdotal reports from sailors often describe the King's Cruiser 29 as a solid and well-behaved vessel. Its fin keel and skeg-hung rudder contribute to splendid maneuverability, making it responsive at the helm. The theoretical maximum hull speed for a boat of this length is around 6.5 knots. Owners generally find it to sail well, proving capable in various conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the King's Cruiser 29, like many yachts of its era, typically features a traditional layout with a generous use of teak, creating a classic and warm ambiance. While the specific interior headroom is not detailed in the specifications, reviews often describe the interior as being more compact compared to modern designs of equivalent length. The typical arrangement would include a V-berth forward, a head compartment, a salon with settees that may convert to berths, and a galley area, designed to maximize functional space within its dimensions. The focus would have been on practical accommodations for coastal cruising, offering sufficient storage for provisions and gear, though specific ventilation details would vary by individual boat.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the King's Cruiser 29 consistently praise its solid construction and seaworthiness, often describing it as a "good, solid boat" that is capable of coastal sailing and even venturing further afield. The design is generally regarded as robust, with structural integrity concerns like keel or rudder issues being less common than typical engine or rigging failures often seen in older vessels. While the interior might be considered compact by modern standards, its traditional teak finish is often appreciated. The limited available information suggests a loyal ownership base that values the boat's enduring qualities.