Tylercraft 29 Information, Review, Specs

The Tylercraft 29 began production in 1975, emerging during a period when the International Offshore Rule (IOR) was a dominant force in sailboat racing. Advertised as an IOR 1/2 Ton racer, the boat was conceived to perform competitively within this popular racing class. The IOR rule encouraged designs that could offer exciting racing across various classes. Tylercraft, under Ted Tyler's leadership, was known for its forward-thinking approach, being among the first U.S. builders to adopt fiberglass for its sailboats, valuing durability and reduced maintenance over traditional wood construction.

The Tylercraft 29 was offered with two distinct keel configurations: a twin keel version, with a shallow draft of 2.83 feet, and an alternative single, fin keel version, which had a deeper draft of 4.58 feet. This choice reflected Tylercraft's general design philosophy, which often included practical features like bilge keels—a design choice reportedly influenced by similar successful models from UK builders like Westerly—offering advantages for sailors in shallow waters or those requiring the ability to take the ground.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Tylercraft 29's specifications suggest a balanced performer, capable of both respectable racing and comfortable cruising. With a reported sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of 16.14, the boat demonstrates moderate light-air performance while retaining sufficient sail-carrying ability in stronger winds. Its ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) of 41.67% indicates a relatively stiff and stable vessel, capable of standing up to a breeze without excessive heeling.

With a displacement of 7,200 lbs and a waterline length (LWL) of 23.0 feet, the Tylercraft 29 has a displacement-to-length ratio (D/L) of approximately 264. This places it in the category of a moderate displacement cruiser, suggesting a comfortable motion in a seaway and a solid feel, characteristic of many boats designed in its era that sought to combine racing prowess with offshore capability. While specific anecdotal handling characteristics for the Tylercraft 29 are not widely documented, its design as an IOR Half Tonner implies a responsive helm and a capacity for competitive sailing.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the specific interior layout and accommodations of the Tylercraft 29 is not extensively detailed in available records. However, Tylercraft's general design philosophy prioritized practical and functional cruisers. It is known that the boat featured a water capacity of 20 gallons. Given its dimensions and the typical arrangements of sailboats in the 29-foot range from the mid-1970s, it likely featured a conventional layout including a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that could convert into berths, a galley area, and a dedicated head compartment. While specific details on headroom and finish materials for the Tylercraft 29 are scarce, Tylercraft boats generally featured durable fiberglass construction with practical interior finishes, focusing on functionality for cruising.