Legend 29 Information, Review, Specs

Representing a period when fiberglass was rapidly gaining acceptance in yacht construction, the Legend 29 embodies the robust build quality for which Tyler Boat Co. was known. Edward Tyler's company, a pioneer in GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) construction, was renowned for producing high-quality fiberglass hulls and decks for various builders worldwide, and the Legend 29 was a testament to their laminating expertise.

History and Design

The genesis of the Legend 29 can be traced back to E.G. Van de Stadt, a visionary designer who significantly contributed to the industrialization of yacht building and the popularization of fiberglass yachts. Van de Stadt, whose firm began in 1933, was known for his innovative approach to design. The Legend 29, as design #159 (Splinter 29), likely reflects his philosophy of creating performance-oriented vessels that were also aesthetically pleasing and capable of handling diverse sea conditions. Its designation as a RORC racer indicates a design brief focused on speed, stability, and offshore capability, characteristics highly valued in the competitive racing circuits of the era.

Production of the Legend 29 commenced in 1967 at the Tyler Boat Co. Ltd. facilities in the UK. Tyler's role was often as a specialized laminator, providing hulls and decks to other yards for completion, but they also built complete yachts under their own name. This partnership ensured a solid fiberglass construction for the Legend 29, aligning with Tyler's reputation for quality GRP work that formed the basis for many iconic yachts. While the exact end year of the Legend 29's production is not definitively recorded, Tyler Boat Co. ceased its boatbuilding operations after 1978, meaning any Legend 29s produced would have been prior to that year. There is no readily available information suggesting significant variations (such as MkI/MkII or different rig options) during its production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Legend 29, with its fin keel and skeg-hung rudder, was designed for agile handling and performance. Weighing in at approximately 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) and boasting a waterline length of 22.16 feet, its displacement to length ratio (D/L) calculates to approximately 205.17. This places the Legend 29 in the moderate displacement category, suggesting a balance between light-air speed and a comfortable motion in a seaway, rather than being an ultra-light displacement pure racer.

With a reported sail area of 310 sq ft, the sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) for the Legend 29 is approximately 17.00. This indicates a moderately powered boat, suggesting good performance in a range of conditions, though it may not be a blistering performer in very light airs. The design intent as a RORC racer implies a boat capable of standing up to wind and making good progress offshore. Anecdotal evidence suggests that, as a Van de Stadt design created for RORC racing, the Legend 29 is likely "pretty good" with a "good eye for a good looking, seagoing yacht". SailboatLab describes it as a "reasonably good performer" and "reasonably stable / stiff". The lack of a specific ballast figure prevents a precise calculation of the ballast to displacement ratio, however, its fin keel design implies a significant amount of ballast for stability and righting moment.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length overall of 28.42 feet, the Legend 29 was designed to offer practical accommodations below deck. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the interior typically features a layout suitable for cruising and overnight stays. Reviews and listings suggest that the Legend 29 commonly provides accommodation for four to five berths, often configured with two cabins. This usually includes a V-berth forward, a head, and a main salon area that converts into additional berths.

Interior descriptions from available sources hint at a functional, if not luxurious, finish typical of boats from its era. Expect robust joinery and a practical use of space, reflecting the boat's primary purpose as a capable sailing vessel. Owners of similar Van de Stadt designs and Tyler-built boats often appreciate the solid construction and thoughtful layouts that prioritize seaworthiness and utility.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Legend 29 and similar Van de Stadt designs built by Tyler Boat Co. generally praise the solid construction and the designer's reputation for creating seaworthy and well-performing yachts. The enduring appeal of boats from this era often lies in their robust fiberglass hulls and classic lines. Forums and reviews frequently highlight the excellent sailing characteristics that Van de Stadt designs are known for, with a good balance on the helm and a comfortable motion in a seaway.

Common maintenance considerations for a vessel of this vintage, as noted by owners of similar Tyler-built boats, can include inspecting and re-bedding original deck fittings to prevent leaks, and addressing any potential issues with older engine installations. However, the foundational quality of the Tyler-laminated hull and deck generally provides a strong platform for ongoing enjoyment and maintenance.