C&C Paceship 29 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Paceship 29 is defined by the sharp entry and flat run aft characteristic of early C&C designs. With a Displacement-to-Length (D/L) ratio typically hovering around 270 and a Sail Area-to-Displacement (SA/D) ratio near 17, the boat is categorized as a moderate-displacement cruiser with enough canvas to remain lively in light air. According to historical technical data from the Paceship Owners Site, the boat utilizes a swept-back fin keel and a spade rudder, a configuration that was revolutionary for cruising boats of that era. This setup allows for exceptional tracking and a tight turning radius, though the spade rudder requires a firm hand in heavy following seas.

In terms of sea-kindliness, the 29-footer is known for its ability to point high into the wind, a hallmark of the C&C influence. The hull’s relatively high ballast-to-displacement ratio (approximately 45%) provides a stiff, stable platform that resists excessive heeling during gusts. Owners frequently report that the boat feels balanced under a reefed main and a working jib, maintaining a light helm even as the wind picks up. While it lacks the sheer mass of heavy-displacement ocean cruisers, its performance-oriented hull shape allows it to "out-sail" many modern boats of similar length in light-to-moderate conditions.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Paceship 29 was designed to maximize the 9' 3" beam, offering a level of volume that was impressive for a 29-foot vessel in 1970. The standard layout features a forward V-berth with an insert, followed by a full-width enclosed head—a luxury for this size class. The main salon typically utilizes a dinette to port that converts into a double berth, with a straight settee to starboard. Original brochures highlight the use of teak bulkheads and trim, which provide a warm, traditional aesthetic compared to the stark fiberglass liners found in some of its contemporaries.

Variations in the interior often depended on the production year and whether the boat was fitted with the optional "Cruising" or "Racing" packages. The galley, located aft near the companionway for optimal ventilation, usually includes a recessed stove and a deep icebox. Headroom is a notable strength of the design, measuring approximately 6' 1" in the main cabin, which allows most sailors to stand upright throughout the primary living area. The sibling Northwind 29, while sharing the hull, often featured different cabinetry finishes and a slightly different cockpit molding, but the Paceship 29 remains the more "premium" execution of the two in terms of interior joinery.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus on three primary areas of concern common to Paceship vessels of this vintage:

• Deck Core Saturation: Like many boats built in the 1970s, the Paceship 29 utilizes a balsa-cored deck. Leaking hardware—particularly around the stanchion bases, jib tracks, and the mast step—can lead to localized delamination or rot. A percussion test with a phenolic hammer is essential to check for "dead" spots in the laminate.
• Mast Step Compression: The Paceship 29 features a deck-stepped mast. Over decades of high rig tension, the support structure beneath the mast step can compress, leading to a sagging deck and misaligned interior doors. Buyers should inspect the compression post and the fiberglass surrounding the step for hairline fractures.
• Rudder Post and Bearing Wear: The spade rudder is a high-stress component. Sailors often report "slop" or vibration in the helm, which usually indicates worn rudder port bushings or corrosion in the internal rudder skeleton.
• Original Engine Condition: Many Paceship 29s were originally equipped with the Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine. While reliable if maintained, these engines are now reaching the end of their service life, and buyers should check for exhaust manifold leaks or consider the value of a boat already repowered with a diesel.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for information regarding this model is the Paceship Owners Site, which hosts an extensive archive of original brochures, technical drawings, and owner-submitted modifications. Because the boat was built in Nova Scotia, there remains a strong community of owners in the Canadian Maritimes and the Great Lakes, often organizing through regional classic boat associations.

The Verdict

The Paceship 29 is a classic example of "the Golden Age" of fiberglass boatbuilding, offering a timeless C&C aesthetic and performance that remains competitive in club racing today. It is an ideal vessel for a couple or small family looking for a capable weekend cruiser that is easy to handle and rewarding to sail.

Pros:

• Excellent upwind performance and pointing ability.
• Generous headroom and a well-thought-out interior for a 29-foot hull.
• Sturdy construction from a reputable Canadian builder.
• Active owner community providing deep technical support.

Cons:

• Vulnerable to balsa-core saturation if deck hardware is not re-bedded.
• The spade rudder is more exposed to debris than a skeg-hung design.
• Standard Atomic 4 gasoline engines require diligent maintenance and safety checks.