Puma 29 Information, Review, Specs

The Puma 29 emerged from the shipyards of Puma Yachts, operating under the Nao-Glass division in Llisà del Vall, Barcelona. This builder, with a legacy rooted in the plastics manufacturing industry through its parent company INERGA, was well-equipped to embrace fiberglass construction from its inception in 1959. By 1978, Nao-Glass and its Puma line were acquired by Drassanes Esportives S.A. (DRESPORT), a significant transition in the company's history. The Puma 29's production between 1979 and 1981 thus falls under this later period of the brand.

Angus Primrose, the yacht's designer, was known for creating capable and seaworthy designs. While specific philosophical statements for the Puma 29 are not widely documented, Primrose's broader approach often focused on practical, performance-oriented cruisers. The Puma 29, with its fin keel and skeg-hung rudder, exemplifies a design that prioritizes maneuverability and good directional stability, characteristic of many successful cruising designs of the era. The vessel was later succeeded by the Puma 305, indicating an evolution or re-branding within the Puma lineage.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Puma 29, with a length overall of 29.33 feet and a displacement of 7,425 pounds, is considered a moderate-weight sailboat for its size. Its design, featuring a fin keel and skeg-hung rudder, contributes to a responsive and balanced feel at the helm. Owners and reviewers often describe the Puma 29 as a high-performing vessel that is notably stable and stiff, capable of standing up to a good breeze. This characteristic suggests a boat that inspires confidence, particularly when sailing in varying conditions. While not solely a racing boat, its design elements and performance characteristics lend it to being described as performance-oriented, striking a balance between swift passage-making and comfortable cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Puma 29, while not extensively detailed in general specifications, typically follows the functional layout common for cruisers of its size and era. As a 29-foot monohull, the design would generally incorporate a forward V-berth, providing sleeping accommodations for two. A marine head would be situated, often between the V-berth and the main salon, which typically features opposing settees that can serve as additional berths, accompanied by a central table. A compact galley area, usually to port or starboard, would provide basic amenities such such as a sink, stove, and possibly a small icebox. A quarter berth, offering another sleeping area, might be found aft. Given Puma Yachts' reputation for sturdy construction, the interior would likely feature durable finishes, with a blend of fiberglass liners and practical wood trim. Storage would be integrated throughout the boat, albeit compactly, suitable for weekend trips and short coastal cruises.