Design and Construction
The Ericson 29 measures 28.58 feet overall, with a 22-foot waterline and a 9.25-foot beam. She displaces 8,500 pounds and carries 3,900 pounds of lead ballast in a fixed fin keel drawing 4.33 feet.
Bruce King drew the 29 as a recreational keelboat in the mold of Ericson’s other popular cruisers of the period. The hull is solid fiberglass with wood trim rather than an exotic cored structure. Her ballast-displacement ratio is 45.88, placing her firmly in the coastal-cruiser class. She isn’t a lightweight racer: the displacement-to-length ratio of 356 and comfort figure of 28.3 point to a settled, load-carrying hull intended for nights at anchor as well as daysailing.
Rig and Handling
The 29 carries a masthead sloop Bermuda rig. The standard sail plan totals 407 square feet, comprising a 184-square-foot mainsail and a 223-square-foot jib or genoa on a 36.5-foot foretriangle. For lighter-air regions, the factory offered a tall rig with a mast about two feet higher. The standard mast height is 40.42 feet above the waterline and suits most cruising grounds.
Steering is through an internally mounted spade rudder with a tiller, although wheel steering was optional. The spade rudder provides quick response, but period observations suggest the 29 isn’t as easy to handle singlehanded as Ericson’s shorter models.
Calculated hull speed is 6.29 knots. The relatively shallow 4.33-foot fin keel also helps keep the boat manageable in tight anchorages.
Accommodations
Below, the Ericson 29 sleeps five and makes good use of its 9.25-foot beam. A double V-berth fills the bow cabin. In the main cabin, two straight settee quarter berths flank a drop-leaf dining table. A third quarter berth lies aft to starboard, while the head is on the same side, just aft of the bow cabin.
The L-shaped galley sits to port, just forward of the companionway, and includes an ice box and sink. It’s compact but functional for a 29-footer. Despite the number of berths, reviewers noted that there is plenty of room to move around.
Engine and Systems
Auxiliary power comes from a 30-horsepower Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine. This period-standard four-cylinder draws from a 12-gallon fuel tank. Fresh-water capacity is 20 gallons. The modest tankage reflects the boat’s coastal-cruising brief.
Verdict
The Ericson 29 balances useful accommodations and responsive handling in a typical 1970s fiberglass cruising package. Five berths, a proper galley, and a drop-leaf table make her workable for a couple or small family. However, she may require more crew assistance when sailed solo than Ericson’s shorter models.
The tall-rig option and choice of tiller or wheel steering gave buyers some scope to tailor the boat. Even so, the 4.33-foot fin keel and calculated 6.29-knot hull speed keep her ambitions focused on coastal waters.
Pros
- Sleeps five, with a practical L-shaped galley and drop-leaf table
- Bruce King design, with a solid-fiberglass hull and wood trim
- Optional tall rig and wheel steering broaden her appeal
Cons
- Less friendly to singlehanders than Ericson’s shorter models
- Gasoline Atomic 4 and 12-gallon fuel capacity limit range
- 4.33-foot draft and 6.29-knot hull speed suit coastal cruising only
