Seafarer 29 CB Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The hull of the Seafarer 29 CB was penned by the firm McCurdy & Rhodes, who focused on creating a balanced, sea-kindly shape that avoided the extreme "wedge" profiles of the era’s pure racing machines. With a displacement of approximately 8,500 pounds and a ballast-to-displacement ratio of roughly 36%, the boat is notably stiff for its size. The defining characteristic of its performance is the centerboard: with the board retracted, the boat draws only 2’ 9”, allowing it to enter anchorages inaccessible to most 30-footers.

When the board is lowered to its full 5’ 11” extension, the boat gains the lateral plane necessary for efficient upwind work, showing surprisingly little leeway for a cruiser. The skeg-mounted rudder provides a more protected and stable feel than a contemporary spade rudder, ensuring the boat tracks well in a following sea. Owner anecdotes often highlight the boat’s ability to maintain a steady helm even when pressed, a testament to the balanced sail plan and the designers’ attention to the center of effort. Because it was designed during a period of transition in naval architecture, the 29 CB feels more robust and "planted" than modern light-displacement cruisers, offering a motion that is less fatiguing over long coastal passages.

Interior Comfort & Variations

One of the unique aspects of Seafarer’s business model was the "Plan" system, which allowed buyers to choose between different interior arrangements. Most Seafarer 29s were built with a traditional "Plan A" or "Plan B" layout, typically featuring a V-berth forward, a full-width head, and a main salon with a folding dinette. The interior is characterized by a generous use of teak and a high level of joinery, though the specific finish can vary because Seafarer offered many boats in "component" or kit form. This means that while some hulls feature professional factory cabinetry, others may show the individual craftsmanship of their original owners.

Headroom in the main cabin is approximately 6’ 2”, a respectable figure for a 29-foot boat achieved through a subtle coachroof rise that preserves the vessel’s sleek profile. The centerboard trunk is cleverly integrated into the interior, often serving as a base for the salon table, which minimizes the loss of usable floor space. A sibling model, the Seafarer 29 Fixed Keel, offers an identical interior volume but lacks the trunk enclosure, providing a slightly more open feel in the cabin sole at the cost of a 4' 6" draft.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Seafarer 29 CB should focus their inspection on four primary areas common to the McCurdy & Rhodes era of production:

• Centerboard Mechanism: The most critical technical area is the centerboard pennant (the lifting cable) and the pivot pin. Over decades, the pennant can chafe or corrode, and the pivot pin can wear the fiberglass housing, leading to a "thumping" sound while underway or at anchor.
• Deck Coring: Seafarer utilized balsa-cored decks, which are susceptible to delamination if hardware like stanchions, chainplates, or the bow pulpit were not re-bedded regularly. Use a phenolic hammer to tap for "dull" sounds indicating moisture intrusion.
• Chainplate Bulkheads: The chainplates are bolted to structural bulkheads. If deck leaks were neglected, these bulkheads can develop rot, compromising the structural integrity of the rig.
• Engine Access: While originally powered by either the Atomic 4 gasoline engine or early Yanmar/Volvo diesels, the engine compartment is notoriously tight. Inspect the stuffing box and water pump specifically, as these are difficult to reach and often neglected as a result.

Community & Resources

Owners of Seafarer yachts are supported by a dedicated, though decentralized, community of enthusiasts. While the original builder is no longer in operation, technical details and historical brochures are often maintained by the Seafarer Yacht Owners groups found on major social networking platforms. Additionally, the broader McCurdy & Rhodes design community remains a vital resource for understanding the technical nuances of the hull and rig.

The Verdict

The Seafarer 29 CB is a handsome, well-built cruiser that offers a rare combination of shallow-draft versatility and blue-water-inspired design pedigree.

Pros:

• Versatile 2’ 9” draft (board up) for shallow-water cruising.
• Respected McCurdy & Rhodes design ensures balanced handling.
• Solid fiberglass hull construction provides long-term durability.

Cons:

• Maintenance of the centerboard assembly adds complexity.
• Kit-built examples may have inconsistent interior finish quality.
• Balsa-cored decks require careful moisture inspection.