Design and Construction
Writing in Canadian Boating, the reviewer described the Bayfield 29 as about as traditional in appearance as a fiberglass production yacht can be. Its springy sheer ends at a bowsprit platform, contributing to a high silhouette.
Below the waterline, the hull has a deep forefoot and a long, full keel with an attached rudder. The bow sections are fairly full, and the beam is comparable to that of some larger, performance-oriented yachts. The design specified a displacement of 7,100 pounds, but Bayfield president Jake Rogerson said the boat was built heavier and stronger, putting its actual displacement at around 8,500 pounds.
The keel is molded with the hull, and the ballast is lowered into it. The anodized aluminum mast steps on a plywood block glassed in as a semi-structural floor on the keel. The sturdy, well-secured stanchions sit slightly inboard on solid backing plates, marginally reducing working space on deck. The inner shrouds attach to the sides of the cabin house and rarely leak, while the outer shrouds pass through the deck.
As on all Bayfields, the interior teak was left unfinished, though Rogerson recommended applying a finish for longevity.
Rig, Sailing, and Handling
The cutter rig divides its modest sail area between a staysail and topsail rather than using a single headsail. No spinnaker provision was built in.
Testers found that the topsail had to squeeze between the forestay and staysail without a tacking line. The staysail cleat also fouled the topsail sheet during tacks. Rogerson said a systematic sequence solves the problem: tack the staysail first and the topsail last, after the mainsail.
The mainsheet leads to a short traveler on the aft coaming and brushes against a wheel helmsman. Testers also encountered considerable weather helm, which Rogerson said could be trimmed out by sailing with the boom to leeward.
Owners report that the Bayfield 29 sails remarkably well in light air. It isn’t race-boat fast, but it performs better than expected for a full-keel cutter. It is also quite stiff and dry through winds in the twenties and three-to-four-foot waves. A second deep reef extends its capabilities, and the boat is happy in heavier weather with a reef by 20 knots. Under power, it can turn within its own length.
Accommodations and Deck Layout
Instead of a V-berth, the Bayfield 29 uses the forward part of the boat for an unusually large head with a molded shower sump, a hanging locker, and a huge anchor locker. The head even includes a small cushioned seat.
Amidships, a folding centerline table with a bottle rack is flanked by a pull-out double berth to starboard and a settee to port. Sliding teak dividers provide privacy. Aft, a half bulkhead separates the starboard galley from the port chart table. Quarter berths extend behind them: the starboard berth is plenty long, while the port berth is a little short.
Four opening ports and a hatch in the head provide ventilation. One 5'10" owner has standing headroom throughout. The long cabin trunk creates generous interior volume, though it leaves the boat with a short cockpit. The side decks are wide, and the lifelines are safely high.
Some find the teak interior gloomy. The settees are narrow when used as couches, but they make very comfortable bunks. The deep bilge provides storage for canned goods and chain.
Machinery and Steering
Engine access is excellent through both the cockpit hatch and the companionway steps. On one East Coast boat, the engine was on deck within half an hour. The Yanmar 2GM, rated at around 13 hp and fitted with a 35-amp alternator, is serviceable.
With the optional wheel steering, the helmsman sits on a raised seat but is squeezed when standing. A tiller keeps the helmsman clear of the mainsheet, though it takes up more legroom.
Known Issues and Production Changes
Cockpit drainage is a notable weakness. One owner reports that the cockpit holds a tremendous amount of water and has only two small ~1.5-inch drains.
The mainsail halyard can snag on the lazyjacks, and the icebox melts ice quickly. Taylor’s chainplates leaked but were corrected. On a show boat, the bobstay tang and jaw were mismatched, though Rogerson said there had been no failures.
The head initially lacked a molded fitting, a problem that was later corrected. Early boats also lacked countertop insulation; later hulls received two-part foam. The brass faucet was remounted to address a shallow-sink problem.
Refit Example
Clive Taylor removed the starboard berth to install a larger galley.
The Verdict
The Bayfield 29 is a sturdy, ocean-capable cruiser suited to couples or singlehanders. It trades speed for interior volume, shallow draft, and a clever forecabin without chainplates. Weak cockpit drainage and minor rigging frustrations are balanced by excellent engine access and a timeless layout.
Pros
- Shallow 3.5-foot long keel with genuine oceangoing stability
- Unusual V-berth-free interior with a large head and ample storage
- Excellent engine access and straightforward cutter-rig logic
- Stiff, dry performance, good light-air ability, and around 8,500 pounds of actual displacement
Cons
- Cockpit holds water because of inadequate drains
- Weather helm and topsail-tacking friction require active management
- Port quarter berth is short, and the settees are narrow as couches
- Early hulls lack countertop insulation, and the icebox is inefficient
