Design and Construction
The Evasion 29 measures 28.87 feet overall, with a 25.2-foot waterline and a 10.17-foot beam. Its moderate, beamy hull displaces 8,818 lbs, including 3,527 lbs of iron ballast—40 percent of the boat’s displacement.
The hull is solid fiberglass rather than cored. Its long fin keel and protected, skeg-mounted rudder favor durability and directional stability over weight savings or quick, racing-style responses. Beneteau’s description of the boat as a luxurious motorsailor fits those construction choices and its ability to carry a comfortable cruising interior.
Rig, Performance, and Handling
Depending on the version, the Evasion 29 has either a cutter rig or a masthead sloop. The builder cited a generous sail area, reported at roughly 490 square feet. The sail area/displacement ratio is around 18, and hull speed is 6.7 knots.
The manufacturer characterized the sail plan as delivering remarkable all-round sailing performance and described the hull as dry and stiff to the canvas, with an easy-miles character under sail. Those traits suit a motorsailer intended to make easy miles under sail in a variety of conditions. The long fin keel and skeg-mounted rudder emphasize predictable tracking rather than twitchy responsiveness, suiting the boat's intended variety of sailing conditions.
Accommodations
Below, the Evasion 29 has a forward V-berth, a spacious saloon with a convertible dinette, and an aft cabin or berth. It can sleep four to six comfortably, with around 6 feet of headroom.
The interior also includes a functional navigation station and an enclosed head with a shower. The galley is aft near the companionway, equipped with a stove, sink, and storage. This practical location keeps the cook close to the cockpit during a passage. Overall, the arrangement favors livable volume over racing minimalism, in keeping with the boat’s motorsailer brief.
Engine and Tankage
The Evasion 29 typically carries a diesel engine of around 30 HP, commonly a Volvo Penta MD11C. Fuel capacity is about 40 gallons, while water capacity is about 53 gallons.
Those capacities support the motorsailer concept: the boat can rely on its auxiliary engine for sustained passages while retaining a credible sail plan for quieter conditions.
Verdict
The Evasion 29 is a purpose-built motorsailer from Beneteau’s early cruising era. It is solidly constructed, roomy for its length, and carries a sail plan the builder rated as both generous and capable across a range of conditions. Its long fin keel and skeg-mounted rudder provide forgiving handling, while the interior offers genuine cruising accommodation.
With a sail area/displacement ratio near 18 and a moderate hull speed, however, it belongs firmly in the comfortable-cruiser camp rather than the swift-passage tier.
Pros
- Solid fiberglass hull, long fin keel, and skeg-mounted rudder favor durability and steady tracking
- Roomy layout sleeps four to six, with around 6 feet of headroom
- Generous sail area, with reported all-round sailing performance and a dry hull that is stiff to the canvas
- Practical aft galley near the companionway, plus an enclosed head and navigation station
Cons
- Moderate displacement and a sail area/displacement ratio near 18 limit outright speed
- Early-1980s motorsailer design trades racing agility for comfort
