King's Cruiser 29 — Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The King’s Cruiser 29 is a quintessential heavy-displacement cruiser, a fact reflected in its ballast-to-displacement ratio of nearly 46%. With a total displacement of approximately 6,700 pounds and more than 3,100 pounds of iron encapsulated in its fin keel, the boat is remarkably stiff and predictable. This high ballast ratio ensures that the vessel remains upright and maintains its composure long after lighter, more modern boats have been forced to reef.

On the water, the Petterson-designed hull tracks exceptionally well. Owners often report that the boat feels "on rails" when beating into a breeze, a trait attributed to its traditional underwater profile and deep-spade rudder. However, the relatively narrow 8.2-foot beam and significant weight do have trade-offs; the boat is not a "light air" specialist and requires a decent breeze to truly come alive. When the wind exceeds 15 knots, the King’s Cruiser 29 enters its preferred element, punching through chop with a momentum-driven motion that avoids the "slamming" common in flatter-bottomed designs. While it lacks the surfing capabilities of modern planing hulls, its sea-kindliness makes it a favorite for those crossing the North Sea or cruising the rugged Baltic coast.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Stepping below deck, the King’s Cruiser 29 reveals an interior that prioritizes traditional craftsmanship over the "condominium" style volume found in modern 29-footers. The layout is a classic configuration of the era: a V-berth forward, followed by a compact head and a main salon featuring two longitudinal settees. The use of warm mahogany and teak joinery was standard, reflecting the high finish levels expected of a Finnish builder like Fiskars.

The cabin offers roughly six feet of headroom in the main salon, which was generous for a 1960s design but can feel snug by current standards due to the narrow beam. The galley is typically located to the port of the companionway, featuring a two-burner stove and a deep sink, while a small navigation station sits to starboard. While there are few major layout variations, earlier models often featured different cabinetry finishes than later hulls. It is worth noting that while the King’s Cruiser 29 was the mainstay of this line, its larger sibling, the King’s Cruiser 33, offered a significantly more voluminous interior for those requiring offshore live-aboard capabilities.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the King’s Cruiser 29 with the understanding that these vessels are now roughly 50 years old. While the hull is a solid, hand-laid GRP laminate, several specific areas require inspection:

1. The "Fiskars Smile": Like many boats of this era with encapsulated or bolt-on iron keels, a hairline crack can develop at the leading edge where the keel meets the hull. If the iron ballast has been allowed to rust and expand, this can lead to "weeping" of rust streaks.
2. Deck Core Integrity: Fiskars used a sandwich construction for the decks to save weight. Over decades, hardware seals (cleats, stanchions) can fail, allowing moisture into the core. Any "spongy" feel underfoot is a sign of potentially expensive delamination.
3. Engine Longevity: Many original hulls were fitted with the Volvo Penta MD series diesel engines. While these are legendary for their durability, parts are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. Buyers should check for excessive smoking and the condition of the raw-water cooling passages.
4. Rigging and Chainplates: The masthead sloop rig is robust, but the internal chainplates should be inspected for signs of crevice corrosion where they pass through the deck.

Community & Resources

The King’s Cruiser 29 enjoys a dedicated following, particularly in Northern Europe and the United Kingdom. While Fiskars no longer supports the model, the Pelle Petterson legacy is well-documented through various Swedish design archives, which often highlight the King’s Cruiser series as a hallmark of his maritime portfolio. Owners frequently congregate in regional sailing associations in Finland and Sweden, where the boat remains a common sight in "classic" regattas.

The Verdict

The King’s Cruiser 29 is a "sailor’s sailboat," designed for those who value traditional aesthetics and heavy-weather security over interior volume and light-air speed. It remains an affordable entry point for sailors looking for a stout, seaworthy vessel capable of coastal hopping or modest offshore passages.

Pros:

• Exceptional Stability: High ballast ratio makes for a stiff, safe ride.
• Classic Aesthetics: Timeless Pelle Petterson lines that stand out in a sea of modern plastic.
• Robust Build: Constructed during an era when Fiskars prioritized structural longevity.

Cons:

• Narrow Interior: Feels significantly smaller inside than modern 29-footers.
• Age-Related Maintenance: Buyers must be prepared to address 50-year-old systems and potential deck core issues.
• Light Air Performance: The heavy displacement hull requires more wind to maintain hull speed.