Elite 29 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Elite 29 is celebrated for its balanced helm and "stiff" sailing characteristics, largely attributed to its healthy ballast ratio and the hull's flared sections. On the water, the boat exhibits the classic traits of an early-80s Finot design: it is relatively light at approximately 3,000 kg but remains composed in a breeze. The masthead sloop configuration provides a generous headsail area, allowing the boat to excel in light to moderate air, where many cruisers of this era tend to struggle.

Tracking is generally reliable, though like many boats with a broad stern and a spade rudder, it requires active trimming when sailing deep downwind in a following sea to prevent rhythmic rolling. According to technical archives from the Finot Design Office, the hull was engineered to provide a low center of gravity, which translates to a high limit of positive stability. Owners frequently note that the boat feels "larger" than its 29 feet when beating into a chop, maintaining momentum without the hobby-horsing common in narrower vintage designs.

Interior Comfort & Variations

At the time of its release, the Elite 29 was considered revolutionary for its interior architecture. It was one of the first production boats in its size class to successfully incorporate a dedicated aft cabin and a separate head compartment located near the companionway. This "modern" layout moved away from the traditional pilot berths of the 1970s, offering a level of privacy usually reserved for 32-footers.

The main salon features a central table with settee berths on either side, while the L-shaped galley is positioned to port. Kirié utilized a mix of molded fiberglass liners and warm wood veneers, which helped brighten the cabin while maintaining a nautical feel. Headroom is generous for a 29-foot vessel, reaching nearly 6 feet in the main cabin area. While the Elite 29 remained the core model, Kirié also produced the Elite 30 and the slightly smaller Elite 28, which shared similar construction techniques but varied in cockpit ergonomics and rig height. The Elite 29 essentially paved the technical way for the Feeling 286 and 290, which eventually replaced the Elite line in the Kirié catalog.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of an Elite 29 should approach the survey with a focus on the structural integrity common to mid-80s French production boats. While the hulls are solid GRP, the deck is typically balsa-cored and should be moisture-tested around the chainplates and stanchion bases, where leaks can lead to core delamination.

• Keel-Hull Joint: Inspect the keel bolts and the surrounding fiberglass for "smile" cracks, as the leverage from the deep fin keel can stress the sump area if the boat has experienced a grounding.
• Rudder Bearings: The spade rudder design is prone to developing play in the bearings over time; any significant knocking or vibration at the tiller should be addressed by replacing the bushings.
• Original Engine: Many Elite 29s were originally fitted with small Volvo Penta or Yanmar diesel engines (often 9 to 18 hp). Buyers should verify the service history of the raw-water cooling systems, as these aging units are often at the end of their operational lifespan.
• Portlights: The original acrylic windows were often fixed with adhesive that degrades over forty years, leading to persistent leaks in the main salon.

Community & Resources

While there is no longer a dedicated factory-backed association for the Elite range, owners are typically welcomed within the broader "Feeling" owners' groups, given the shared heritage at the Kirié shipyard. Technical documentation is often archived by the designers at Groupe Finot, who maintain an online database of their historical builds. In France, the "Association des Propriétaires de Feeling" occasionally provides cross-over support for Elite owners due to the similarities in rigging and hull construction between the two lines.

The Verdict

The Elite 29 is a quintessential example of the transition from traditional yachting to modern performance cruising. It remains an excellent entry-level coastal cruiser for those who value sailing pedigree and clever interior packaging.

Pros:

• Innovative Layout: Offers a private aft cabin and head, rare for this age and size.
• Performance: Excellent light-air capabilities and a stable hull form.
• Build Pedigree: Designed by one of the most successful naval architecture firms in history (Finot).

Cons:

• Aging Systems: Original engines and electrical panels often require modernization.
• Deck Maintenance: Potential for moisture ingress in the balsa-cored deck if neglected.
• Draft: The performance-oriented fin keel may limit access to very shallow cruising grounds.