Northern 29 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Northern 29's story begins in 1972, when Northern Yachts Ltd., a company founded by Dennis Furnis and Chuck Walters in Ajax, Ontario, commenced its production. The builder earned a reputation for quality craftsmanship, prioritizing solid construction over mass production. The collaboration with Sparkman & Stephens, a firm renowned for its influential designs, underscored Northern Yachts' commitment to sound yacht engineering. 1, 2, Builder Article The Northern 29 was specifically designed around the International Offshore Rule (IOR) for the Half Ton class, a popular racing category of its era. This design brief resulted in a distinctive hull shape, characterized by a "pinched stern" and other features intended to optimize its performance under the IOR handicap system while still providing a viable cruising platform. The boat's construction emphasized durability, featuring a solid fiberglass hull and a balsa-cored fiberglass deck, indicating a focus on stiffness and longevity.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Northern 29's design ratios provide insight into its sailing characteristics. With a calculated Sail Area to Displacement Ratio of approximately 16.5, the boat is poised to achieve its hull speed readily, indicating a responsive performance for a cruising vessel of its size. Its Ballast to Displacement Ratio, remarkably high at around 51.7%, signifies exceptional stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up well to a breeze and maintain a good righting moment even when heeled. This is further reinforced by its lead keel, which contributes significantly to its inherent stability.

The Displacement to Length ratio, at roughly 337, categorizes the Northern 29 as a heavier displacement boat, typical of traditional cruisers. This characteristic suggests a comfortable motion in a seaway, making it well-suited for extended passages rather than light-air racing. Anecdotal evidence suggests the Northern 29 handles well and has been considered a good choice for sailing in conditions like those found on Lake Ontario, implying its seaworthiness and reliable handling. It is capable of a theoretical hull speed of 6.18 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom figures are not readily available, the interior of the Northern 29 was crafted directly by Northern Yachts, with all carpentry completed in the factory, contributing to the builder's reputation for quality. The typical layout features a dinette arrangement, which was a common and practical design for sailboats of its time. Reviews often describe the interior as having a sensible layout, likely offering a functional arrangement for a 29-foot vessel, including typical cruising amenities such as berths, a galley area, and a head. Owners and reviewers generally appreciate the robust construction and the thoughtful utilization of space within the constraints of its overall length and beam.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Northern 29 frequently express a strong appreciation for the boat's inherent quality and robust construction, aligning with Northern Yachts' reputation as a "quality boat builder". Many praise its solid feel and reliable sailing characteristics, especially its stability and ability to handle various conditions. While generally well-regarded, some owners have noted a recurring issue concerning exhaust fumes, likely due to the midship placement of the Universal-Atomic 4 engine and the length of the exhaust run, which may require attention or modification in older models. Despite these minor considerations, the enduring presence of Northern 29s on the water serves as a testament to the lasting craftsmanship provided by Dennis Furnis and his team.