Olson 29 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Olson 29 is defined by its exceptional power-to-weight ratio and its ability to plane in conditions where traditional keelboats remain trapped by their bow waves. With a displacement of approximately 3,600 pounds and a ballast-to-displacement ratio approaching 47%, the boat is remarkably stiff for its weight. This stability, combined with a high Sail Area/Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio typically calculated in the high 20s, allows the 29 to excel in the light-to-moderate air of the West Coast.

Unlike the Olson 30, which utilized a masthead rig and large, overlapping genoas, the Olson 29 features a fractional rig. This design choice provides several handling advantages: it allows for easier mainsail shape control via backstay tension and reduces the size of the headsails, making the boat significantly easier to handle for short-handed crews or in heavy air. Editorial reflections from performance sailing circles often note that the 29 feels more balanced on the helm than the 30, with less tendency to "wipe out" during high-speed spinnaker reaches. The boat is a perennial favorite in Pacific Coast offshore events like the Doublehanded Farallones, where its ability to track reliably in following seas is a critical safety and performance asset.

Interior Comfort & Variations

While the Olson 29 is unapologetically a racer, George Olson and Pacific Boat Works provided a functional, if minimalist, interior to qualify for various "cruiser-racer" requirements of the era. The layout is centered around the needs of a racing crew, featuring four to five berths, including a V-berth forward and long settee berths in the main salon. Headroom is limited, as the low-profile coachroof is designed for aerodynamic efficiency rather than standing room, making the interior feel more like a "sit-down" cabin.

Variations in the interior are largely limited to the specific racing or cruising packages selected by original owners. Some hulls feature a more developed galley area with a small sink and stowage, while others are stripped to the essentials to save weight. The sibling models built on the same ULDB principles include the smaller Olson 25, which was aimed at the one-design club racing market, and the larger Olson 34 and 40. The 34, in particular, represents the bridge between the 29’s raw speed and the more comfortable cruising requirements of the Pacific Seacraft Olson 34 era, which saw the design eventually move to a different builder with a focus on interior refinement.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Olson 29 enjoys a cult following within the "fast is fun" movement. Its heritage is frequently discussed in regional maritime publications like Latitude 38, which has documented the boat's consistent presence in the winners' circles of the Pacific Cup and the Great Vallejo Race. The 29 is often cited in discussions regarding the "Santa Cruz School" of naval architecture, appearing in historical retrospectives of George Olson’s career as the design that perfected the mid-sized ULDB format before the industry shifted toward more voluminous, heavier cruisers.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of an Olson 29 should approach the vessel with an understanding of its lightweight construction and the stresses of decades of racing.

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, the Olson 29 uses a balsa-cored deck. Moisture intrusion around stanchion bases, chainplates, and mast steps is common. A thorough percussion test (tapping) or moisture meter reading is essential to identify delamination.
• Mast Step and Compression: Given the high tensions of the fractional rig, the mast step area should be inspected for signs of compression or "sinking" into the cabin sole or deck.
• Keel Attachment: The deep fin keel exerts significant leverage on the hull grid. Buyers should look for "smile" cracks at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint or evidence of structural movement in the bilge area near the keel bolts.
• Rudder Bearings: The high-aspect-ratio rudder is under immense load during high-speed reaches. Excessive "slop" or play in the rudder post usually indicates worn bushings that require replacement to maintain the boat's signature responsiveness.
• Chainplates: Given the boat’s age and performance nature, inspecting the stainless steel chainplates for crevice corrosion where they pass through the deck is a high-priority safety item.

Community & Resources

The Olson 29 community is largely integrated with the broader Olson Owners associations. While not as numerous as the Olson 30 fleet, 29 owners are a dedicated group that shares technical data through the Olson 30 Class Association and regional PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) boards. These forums are the primary repository for rig tuning guides and class-specific modifications designed to keep these vintage racers competitive against modern designs.

The Verdict

The Olson 29 remains one of the most rewarding performance sailboats for those who value speed, responsiveness, and "the feel" of a boat over interior volume. It is a purist’s vessel that requires active sail trimming but rewards the effort with double-digit speeds downwind.

Pros:

• Exceptional downwind performance and planing capability.
• Easier handling than the Olson 30 due to the fractional rig.
• High-quality initial construction by Pacific Boat Works.
• Strong resale value among racing enthusiasts.

Cons:

• Minimalist interior with very limited headroom.
• Requires a skilled crew to push to its full potential in heavy air.
• Susceptible to deck core issues if maintenance has been neglected.
• Limited production numbers make finding one on the used market difficult.