Paceship Northwind 29 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The C&C pedigree ensures that the Northwind 29 is more than just a floating cottage. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio typically hovering around 17.8, the vessel possesses enough power to remain animated in light air, a common weakness in many cruisers of this era. The hull features a relatively flat bottom and a fine entry, allowing it to track well upwind while maintaining a balanced feel on the helm.

According to historical technical documentation preserved by the Paceship Owners Site, the Northwind 29 was originally offered with a choice of undercarriage: a deep fin keel for maximum stability and lift, or a shallow-draft centerboard version. The centerboard variant is particularly prized in regions like the Chesapeake Bay or the Bahamas, as it allows the boat to "tuck in" to secluded anchorages while still providing a draft of nearly seven feet when the board is fully deployed for windward work. Owners often report that the boat is "stiff," meaning it resists excessive heeling, which provides a sense of security for families and less experienced crews during heavy weather.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a boat designed in the 1960s, the Northwind 29 offers a remarkably functional interior that maximizes its 9-foot, 1-inch beam. The layout is a classic example of "big boat" thinking in a 29-foot package. It features a dedicated V-berth forward, followed by an enclosed head—a significant luxury for its size at the time—and a main salon with settee berths that double as sleeping quarters.

Materials typically include a mix of molded fiberglass liners and warm teak trim, reflecting the era's shift toward low-maintenance interiors that still retained a nautical aesthetic. The galley is generally located aft near the companionway for optimal ventilation. The Northwind 29 shares its basic hull DNA with its larger sibling, the Acadian 30, though the Northwind’s shorter waterline and different rig configuration make it a more agile, albeit slightly less spacious, alternative. Another sibling to note is the Paceship 29, which was a later evolution of the C&C partnership; while they share the same length, the Paceship 29 features a revised deck mold and a more modernized interior layout.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Northwind 29 with the typical scrutiny required for vintage fiberglass vessels. Because Paceship used balsa-coring in the decks for stiffness and weight reduction, moisture ingress is the most frequent concern.

1. Deck Softness: High-stress areas around the stanchion bases, chainplates, and the mast step are prone to core rot if the hardware was not re-bedded regularly. A percussion test with a phenolic hammer is essential to identify delamination.
2. Centerboard Trunk: For versions equipped with a centerboard, the cable, pulleys, and the board itself must be inspected for corrosion or "slop." Replacing the lift cable is a standard maintenance item that is often neglected.
3. Atomic 4 Engines: Many Northwind 29s were originally equipped with the Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine. While reliable if maintained, buyers should check for manifold corrosion and ensure the fuel system meets modern safety standards. Many units have since been repowered with small diesels, which significantly increases the vessel's resale value.
4. Chainplates: The Northwind 29’s rig loads are transferred through stainless steel chainplates that penetrate the deck. Leaks here can damage the bulkheads they are attached to, potentially compromising the structural integrity of the rig.

Community & Resources

The longevity of the Northwind 29 is supported by a robust and highly organized community. The Paceship Owners Site serves as the primary technical hub, offering archived brochures, original blueprints, and a forum where owners share specific repair solutions. This resource is invaluable for identifying original parts or understanding the specific fiberglass layup used during different production years at the Mahone Bay facility.

The Verdict

The Paceship Northwind 29 is an excellent entry-point for sailors who value the design brilliance of C&C but have a modest budget. It is a capable, "honest" boat that balances performance with the basic requirements of coastal cruising.

Pros:

• Design Heritage: Excellent sailing characteristics thanks to the C&C design.
• Versatility: Shallow draft options make it ideal for varied cruising grounds.
• Community Support: Exceptional access to technical data and owner expertise.

Cons:

• Age-Related Maintenance: Potential for deck core issues and aging mechanical systems.
• Interior Volume: While well-designed, it feels tighter than more modern "high-volume" 29-footers.
• Original Power: The presence of an original gasoline engine may be a deterrent for some modern cruisers.