Olson 29 Information, Review, Specs

The Olson 29's production began in 1984, emerging from the California-based Pacific Boat Works. This builder, co-founded by George Olson and Lyn Neale in 1978, quickly gained a reputation for crafting exceptionally fast and agile sailboats. George Olson, drawing from his background as a surfer and surfboard shaper, applied a similar innovative approach to naval architecture, fundamentally shaping the "Olson line" of yachts with a strong emphasis on lightweight construction and spirited performance. Pacific Boat Works leveraged fiberglass construction during its operational period from 1978 to 1986, to achieve the speed and agility characteristic of Olson's designs.

The Olson 29 was explicitly designed as an updated version of the successful Olson 30. Key advancements in the 29 included a reshaped transom, a redesigned elliptical keel and rudder, and a modern fractional rig. These modifications contributed to a more refined and performance-oriented platform compared to its predecessor. The fractional rig on the Olson 29 is a double spreader Ballenger type.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Olson 29's design ratios underscore its identity as a true performance boat. With a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/Disp) of approximately 25.71, she is well-powered and capable of excelling in lighter air, indicative of her ULDB heritage. Her Ballast to Displacement Ratio (Ballast/Disp) of about 0.54 suggests a remarkably stiff and stable platform for a boat of her size and type, allowing her to stand up to a significant amount of wind. Furthermore, a Displacement to Length Ratio (Disp/LWL) of roughly 173.1 points to an exceptionally light displacement for her waterline length, cementing her status as a nimble and fast performer.

Anecdotal evidence from owners consistently describes the Olson 29 as a "wonderful little boat" and a "great sailing boat," especially in racing configurations. Sailors report that she is responsive and exhilarating to handle, a hallmark of George Olson's design philosophy. Owners frequently discuss optimizing rig tension for the double spreader fractional rig, highlighting the boat's responsiveness to tuning for various conditions. While generally praised for its performance, some owners have noted the need for careful trim, particularly in heavy air, to avoid issues such as lee helm. The boat's behavior in chop is often discussed in the context of backstay tension for optimal upwind performance.

Accommodations and Layout

Due to its primary focus on performance, the Olson 29's interior accommodations are generally more spartan and geared towards racing or day sailing, rather than extensive cruising. While specific detailed layouts can vary, the interior of the 29 is noted for being "lighter" compared to the Olson 30, and features a larger forward bulkhead. Owners' discussions suggest that the interior is functional, designed to provide basic amenities for a crew, but not prioritizing expansive living spaces or extensive headroom. Access to the interior from deck level can involve navigating around mast steps or other structural components, with owners sometimes addressing practical issues like preventing rainwater intrusion around the mast.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Olson 29 form a dedicated community, actively engaging in forums to share experiences and maintenance insights. The boat is widely praised as a "wonderful little boat" that offers an engaging and exhilarating sailing experience. Many owners are focused on optimizing the boat for racing or spirited day sailing, discussing topics such as rig tension and tuning the fractional rig. Common maintenance discussions among owners include the replacement of rudder bearings, addressing potential issues with stanchions, and methods to prevent rainwater from entering the cabin via the mast. While issues like lee helm have been mentioned in heavy air, these are often seen as part of the boat's high-performance nature, requiring skilled trim and handling.