Contest 29 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Contest 29 is defined by a high Motion Comfort Ratio of approximately 30.8, a figure that places it firmly in the category of "heavy cruisers" for its length. Its displacement of roughly 8,500 lbs and a ballast-to-displacement ratio near 39% result in a vessel that is exceptionally stiff and stable. Under sail, the boat feels deliberate and seakindly; it tracks well due to its long fin keel and skeg-hung rudder—though some owners of early Mark I models have noted that the helm can become heavy when over-canvassed.

Technical documentation preserved by owners at Sailing Thanks Dad highlights the yacht's masthead sloop rig, which was designed for simplicity and safety. While the hull is relatively narrow by modern standards, featuring a length-to-beam ratio of about 3.5, this "needle" design allows it to slice through a head-sea without the slamming typical of flatter, modern hulls. However, the heavy displacement means it is not a light-air performer; it requires a respectable breeze to overcome its wetted surface area, though it remains a "dry" ship even in choppy, wind-against-tide conditions.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel under 30 feet, the Contest 29 offers surprising verticality. The cabin provides a headroom of approximately 6 feet 5 inches (1.95m), a rarity for yachts of this vintage. The interior layout is traditional, featuring a V-berth forward, a central salon with two pull-out settee berths, and a single quarter berth to starboard, allowing it to sleep five people in a pinch. The use of African mahogany for the cabinetry and a solid teak cabin sole provides a warm, classic ambiance that has become a hallmark of the builder.

The Mark I version, designed by Luyten, is often praised for its "27 locker cabinets," maximizing every square inch of storage for long-distance provisioning. In the Mark II variant, subtle changes were made to the galley and engine box configuration to improve ergonomics. On both models, the engine is centrally located under a removable box that doubles as a seat for the navigator or cook, providing 360-degree maintenance access—a design choice lauded by cruisers who perform their own mechanical work.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Contest 29 has maintained a steady following in the digital age, largely due to its accessibility as a classic restoration project. The most prominent media presence for this specific model is the "Sailing Thanks Dad" project, which documents the extensive restoration and voyages of a 1967 Mark I. This resource has become a primary technical touchstone for the global community, offering digitized original brochures and deep-dives into systems upgrades. On platforms like YouTube, the model is frequently featured in "classic plastic" series where it is compared favorably to contemporary rivals like the Alberg 30 or the Pearson Vanguard for its superior Dutch finish.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

• Deck Core Integrity: While the hulls are famously thick (some reports suggest 1.25 inches at the chine), the deck is a sandwich construction. Prospective buyers should use a phenolic hammer to check for dull thuds that indicate delamination or water ingress, particularly around the chainplates and stanchion bases.
• Rudder Aeration: Some early fin-keel/spade-rudder configurations in this era could experience "rounding up" if heeled excessively in high winds. Inspect the rudder shaft and bearings for play, as a worn skeg-mount can exacerbate steering lag.
• Bilge Drainage Philosophy: In the original design, the sink, icebox, and chain locker often drained directly into the bilge. Many owners have since retrofitted direct overboard drains to keep the bilge dry and prevent the "old boat smell" associated with standing greywater.
• Chainplates and Bulkheads: Check the attachment points where the stainless steel chainplates meet the wooden bulkheads. Over decades, minor leaks can lead to rot in the mahogany plywood, compromising the structural tension of the rig.
• Engine Repowers: Many original units were fitted with Volvo Penta MD1 or MD2 diesel engines. While robust, these are now reaching the end of their serviceable lives; a unit that has already been repowered with a modern Yanmar or Beta Marine diesel carries significantly higher market value.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support is the Contest Yacht Owners’ Association, based in the Netherlands. Although much of the primary documentation is in Dutch, the association provides a wealth of historical data and a network of owners who share knowledge on sourcing parts for these vintage hulls.

The Verdict

The Contest 29 is a robust, overbuilt cruiser that prioritizes safety and seakindliness over raw speed. It is an ideal entry-level boat for those aspiring to coastal hop or cross oceans in a vessel that feels far larger than its 29 feet.

Pros:

• Exceptional headroom for its size (6'5").
• Heavy-duty construction with high-quality Dutch mahogany joinery.
• Stable, predictable motion in heavy seas.
• Excellent engine access for a small boat.

Cons:

• Sluggish performance in light winds (under 8-10 knots).
• Narrow interior layout compared to modern "wide-beam" 29-footers.
• Dated drainage systems (bilge-centric) require modernization.