Ranger 29 (Mull) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Ranger 29 was first launched in 1970, marking the early years of Ranger Yachts' operations in Costa Mesa, California. Founded by Jack Jensen, already known for his successful Cal boats, Ranger Yachts was specifically created to expand Jensen's reach into the East Coast USA market. Gary Mull, whose design philosophy centered on creating "light displacement boats that were robustly built," was the exclusive designer for the Ranger brand, defining its performance-oriented identity. The Ranger 29's production run concluded in 1975, when it was succeeded by another Mull design, the Ranger 28. A distinctive feature of the Ranger 29's construction is its encapsulated keel, meaning the keel form is an integral part of the hull mold, housing the ballast without the need for traditional keel bolts. This design choice contributes to the boat's reputation for solid construction and durability.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Gary Mull's design for the Ranger 29 sought to deliver a compelling blend of speed and seaworthiness. With a length overall of 28.58 feet and a waterline length of 23.0 feet, she offers a capable platform for coastal adventures and competitive club racing.

Her calculated performance ratios highlight her design intentions:

• Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) Ratio: At approximately 18.41, this ratio suggests a boat that is relatively well-powered for its displacement. This indicates good performance in lighter winds, allowing her to move efficiently even when the breeze is modest.
• Ballast to Displacement (B/D) Ratio: With a significant 46.7% ballast-to-displacement ratio, the Ranger 29 exhibits excellent stiffness and stability. This high percentage of ballast, composed of lead, means she is designed to stand up well to a breeze, providing a secure and comfortable motion even in choppier conditions.
• Displacement to Length (D/L) Ratio: A D/L ratio of around 246 places the Ranger 29 in the moderate displacement category. This suggests a boat that is neither extremely light nor overly heavy, contributing to her balanced performance profile. It aligns with Mull's emphasis on robustly built, yet agile, vessels.

Owners and reviewers frequently describe the Ranger 29 as a well-balanced boat that handles predictably. Her seaworthy nature and solid construction are often praised, making her a confidence-inspiring vessel in various sea states.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed diagrams of the Ranger 29 sailboat's interior layout can be challenging to find through general search, her design for comfortable cruising is a noted attribute. As a vessel of her size and era, the Ranger 29 typically features a conventional interior arrangement designed for practicality and efficiency. Expect a forward V-berth, a main salon often with opposing settees that can convert into berths, a galley area, and a navigation station or chart table. A marine head would typically be located forward or amidships. The emphasis on seaworthiness and solid construction also usually translates to a functional, well-finished interior, likely featuring a combination of fiberglass liners and wood trim, offering decent storage for a boat of its length. She is recognized for holding a surprising amount of gear for her size, contributing to her suitability for cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Ranger 29 sailboat generally hold their vessels in high regard, often praising the enduring quality of the original Ranger Yachts construction. The boat's solid build and seaworthy characteristics are frequently cited as primary strengths, contributing to a sense of security and comfort while underway. Many appreciate its balanced helm and predictable handling, making it a suitable choice for a wide range of sailing abilities. The encapsulated lead keel is often highlighted as a positive feature, eliminating concerns about keel bolt maintenance that can plague other designs. While specific common weaknesses or persistent maintenance issues for the Ranger 29 sailboat are not extensively documented in broad owner forums (due to the prevalence of "Ranger Tug" information in general searches), the age of these vessels means potential owners should always consider typical maintenance needs for boats from the 1970s, such as re-bedding deck hardware, inspecting through-hull fittings, and assessing the condition of original systems. Overall, the Ranger 29 is celebrated as a capable and enjoyable performance cruiser that continues to provide satisfaction to its owners.