Johnstone lowered the freeboard, redesigned the keel, and reduced the weight. The resulting boat measures 29 feet 6 inches, shares the J/30’s 11-foot beam, and weighs 1,000 pounds less, with a waterline 4 inches shorter. Roughly 300 J/29s were launched during a five-year production run. An active class association continues to support thriving one-design fleets.
Design and Construction
The J/29 displaces 6,000 pounds and has a lower vertical center of gravity than the J/30. It carries almost as much sail area as its predecessor, but in a shorter, lighter boat.
The hull and deck are balsa cored and joined on a typical inner flange, which incorporates the teak toerail where fitted. A large fiberglass molding serves as both the floor and furniture pan, helping to stiffen the hull.
A high-aspect outboard rudder hangs from stainless steel pintles and gudgeons on the transom. Double lifelines were standard. Buyers could choose either an optional inboard diesel or an outboard auxiliary.
Rig and Handling
Most J/29s have fractional rigs, although a masthead rig was optional. The fractional version has an air draft of 47 feet 6 inches. The masthead rig is 4 feet shorter and does without runners. Sparcraft supplied the masts and booms in 4060 aluminum sections.
The J/29 is noted for its stability and ability to carry sail. Test sailors found that it could hold a full main and No. 1 genoa in 15 knots true, make 6.5 knots, and stay on its feet. It can also carry a full main in 15-plus knots while making 6.5 knots. In 25 knots, it remains quite stiff with a No. 3 and full main. According to the class association, crews commonly fly a No. 1 genoa in as much as 20 knots apparent before changing to the No. 2.
Under mainsail alone, the J/29 sails better than comparably sized cruiser-racers do with both main and headsail. It also handles beautifully under spinnaker, sustaining double-digit surfing runs without undue stress. The result is a very controllable, well-built boat that can reach exhilarating speeds without the accompanying heart palpitations.
Accommodations
The J/29 has enough of an interior to make an overnight or weekend ocean race practical, although headroom is distinctly limited at about 5 feet 4 inches. The layout provides two quarter berths aft and two settees in the main cabin.
The original galley was minimal, consisting of an Igloo cooler and a sink. This is clearly a racer’s interior, honest about its priorities rather than dressed up to resemble a cruiser’s.
Known Issues
The rudder pintles and gudgeons are a little light. If the gudgeons have been leaking, the transom should be checked for delamination because water may have penetrated the core.
More broadly, J Boats had its share of blister problems, which are worth considering during any survey.
Refits and Ownership
The J/29 predates J Boats’ later introduction of the retractable sprit. Asymmetric-spinnaker arrangements on these boats are therefore owner adaptations rather than factory-standard setups.
The thriving class association and established one-design rules make class-legal refits straightforward to specify. With its reputation for controllable speed, a well-sorted J/29 rewards careful tuning rather than constant modification.
The Verdict
The J/29 is a purpose-built one-design racer with just enough cabin space for a weekend offshore. Developed from the J/30, it is light, stiff, quick, and stable across a useful wind range. An active class association continues to support both fleets and values.
Its compromises are typical of a race-bred 29-footer: limited headroom, a spartan original galley, and rudder hardware that calls for inspection.
Pros
- Enduring one-design class with active fleets and association support
- Light, stiff hull that carries sail well and remains controllable at speed
- Choice of fractional or masthead rigs
- Strong performance under mainsail alone
- Enough interior space for overnight and weekend racing
Cons
- Rudder pintles and gudgeons are on the light side
- Transom core may be at risk if the gudgeons have leaked
- Minimal original galley
- Headroom limited to about 5 feet 4 inches
- J Boats’ history of blister problems warrants a careful survey
