Sailing Performance & Handling
The Farallon 29 is defined by its heavy displacement and high Displacement-to-Length (D/L) ratio, which dictates a steady, predictable motion in a seaway. Unlike modern fin-keel yachts that pivot on a point, the Farallon 29 utilizes a long full keel that provides exceptional directional stability. This makes the boat an excellent "tracker," allowing the helmsman to maintain a course with minimal effort, even in a following sea.
Under sail, the boat is not particularly weatherly and will not point as high as its contemporary flat-bottomed competitors. However, its stability is a significant asset; the boat’s ballast-to-displacement ratio ensures it stays on its feet as the wind builds. According to historical owner accounts, the boat truly "wakes up" in 15 to 20 knots of breeze, where its momentum allows it to punch through coastal chop that would stop lighter boats in their tracks. The sail area-to-displacement ratio is conservative, reflecting a design priority on safety and comfort for long-distance cruising rather than light-air performance.
Interior Comfort & Variations
For a 29-foot vessel designed in the 1960s, the Farallon 29 offers a remarkably cozy and functional interior, largely due to its nearly 9-foot beam and generous freeboard. The layout typically follows the traditional arrangement of the era: a forward V-berth, a compact head compartment (usually to port), and a main salon featuring a settee that doubles as a sea berth.
The use of rich wood accents against the white fiberglass liner provides a classic "salty" aesthetic. Headroom is adequate for most sailors, a feat achieved without making the cabin trunk appear excessively high or ungainly from the exterior. Sibling variants of this hull are rare, as Farallon Plastics focused primarily on the 29 and its smaller sibling, the Farallon 25. While most 29s were rigged as sloops, a few were outfitted as cutters to better handle heavy-weather sail reductions. The heavy scantlings of the interior cabinetry often contribute to the boat's overall rigidity, a hallmark of Fairfield-built hulls from this period.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers should approach a Farallon 29 with the understanding that these vessels are now decades old and require diligent maintenance.
- Deck Core Integrity: Like many early fiberglass boats, the Farallon 29 used plywood or balsa coring in the decks. Moisture ingress around stanchion bases or chainplates can lead to soft spots and delamination. A thorough percussion test of the deck is essential.
- Chainplate Corrosion: The chainplates are under significant load given the heavy displacement of the boat. Inspection for "crevice corrosion" where the plates pass through the deck is a high-priority safety item.
- Rudder Hardware: The massive full-keel rudder is hung on heavy bronze or stainless gudgeons and pintles. Over time, these can develop play or suffer from galvanic corrosion, particularly if the boat has been kept in a high-stray-current marina.
- Engine Access and Condition: Many original Farallon 29s were equipped with the Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine. While reliable if maintained, many have been repowered with small diesels (like Yanmar or Westerbeke). If the original engine remains, check for manifold scale and exhaust system integrity.
The Verdict
The Farallon 29 is a "sailor’s sailboat," best suited for those who prioritize the journey over the destination and value a boat that can take care of its crew when the weather turns foul.
Pros
- Exceptional tracking and sea-kindliness in heavy conditions.
- Traditional, timeless aesthetic that stands out in a sea of modern "bleachers."
- Rugged fiberglass layup that often exceeds modern scantling requirements.
Cons
- Sluggish performance in light air (under 8 knots).
- Difficult to maneuver in tight marinas due to the full keel and lack of prop wash over the rudder when backing.
- Typical maintenance headaches associated with aging 1960s/70s fiberglass construction.
