Tamarisk 29 Information, Review, Specs

The boat was often sold in various stages of completion, from bare hulls to fully fitted luxury cruisers, meaning that while the exterior lines remain consistent, the interior finish and quality can vary significantly between individual hulls. Most examples are rigged as gaff cutters, featuring a high-peaked mainsail and a staysail/jib combination that provides a versatile sail plan for varying wind strengths.

Sailing Performance & Handling

True to its heritage as a working craft designed to operate in the challenging waters of the English Channel, the Tamarisk 29 is a heavy-displacement vessel with a full-length keel and a transom-hung rudder. This configuration offers exceptional directional stability, often described by owners as a boat that "steers itself" once the sails are balanced. With a displacement-to-length ratio that leans heavily into the "heavy" category, the hull provides a comfortable, predictable motion in a seaway, significantly reducing the fatigue associated with lighter, more modern fin-keel designs.

Handling a gaff rig requires more active management than a Bermudan rig, particularly when managing the peak and throat halyards or setting the topsail. However, the Tamarisk 29 rewards this effort with surprising power in light to moderate reaching conditions. The long keel does make the boat less maneuverable in tight marina settings, particularly when backing under power, a characteristic typical of its hull type. In heavy air, the ability to drop the jib and sail under staysail and reefed main allows the boat to remain upright and controllable when more modern yachts are forced to seek shelter.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Tamarisk 29 is surprisingly voluminous for its 29-foot deck length, largely due to its generous beam and relatively high freeboard. Most layouts provide accommodation for up to five people, typically arranged with a V-berth in the forward cabin and a combination of settee berths and a quarter berth in the main saloon. The headroom is notable, often reaching approximately 6 feet 1 inch (1.85m), which is rare for traditional-style boats of this size.

Because many of these vessels were finished by owners or small yards, the materials and craftsmanship vary. High-quality examples often feature extensive teak or mahogany joinery, giving the cabin a warm, shipshape feel. The galley is generally positioned to one side of the companionway, while a dedicated heads compartment is usually situated between the saloon and the forward cabin.

The Tamarisk 29 is part of a broader family of traditional GRP designs by David Cannell, including the smaller Tamarisk 22 and Tamarisk 24. These siblings share the same design DNA—long keels, gaff rigs, and heavy-duty construction—but the 29 remains the primary choice for those intending to undertake serious coastal or offshore cruising.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Tamarisk 29 with an eye for "home-built" inconsistencies, as many were sold as kits.

• Deck and Coachroof Rot: While the hull is solid GRP, the decks and coachroofs are often constructed of wood or a plywood-core sandwich. Reports from the YBW forums and owner anecdotes suggest that "springy" decks or rot in the beam shelves and bulkheads are common in neglected examples.
• Chain Plate Integrity: Given the gaff rig’s high loading, the points where the standing rigging attaches to the hull should be inspected for stress cracking or water ingress into the core.
• Bowsprit and Spar Maintenance: Wooden spars, particularly the bowsprit, are prone to rot if the varnish or paint system is not meticulously maintained. Many owners have replaced original wooden spars with aluminum or carbon fiber for longevity.
• Engine Access: While the engine is typically located under the cockpit sole, access can be tight depending on the specific interior fit-out. Buyers should check for the age and service history of the powerplant, as many original engines (such as the Bukh 20) are now reaching the end of their service life and are frequently being replaced by modern Beta or Yanmar units.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical data and community support for these vessels is the Gaffers Log, maintained by the Old Gaffers Association (OGA). While not a model-specific club, the OGA provides a wealth of knowledge regarding the maintenance of gaff rigs and traditional GRP hulls. Technical drawings and historical build data are occasionally archived through the designers' remaining records or through Cygnus Marine's historical documentation.

The Verdict

The Tamarisk 29 is a "sailor’s boat" that trades modern speed and marina maneuverability for soul, stability, and classic beauty. It is an ideal platform for traditionalists who want a rugged coastal cruiser capable of handling rough conditions with grace.

Pros:

• Classic, eye-catching lines that mimic traditional wooden working boats.
• Solid GRP hull construction offers longevity and reduced maintenance compared to wood.
• Exceptional motion in heavy seas due to heavy displacement and a long keel.
• Generous interior headroom and living space for its size.

Cons:

• Difficult to maneuver in reverse under power.
• Varying interior quality due to kit-build origins.
• High maintenance requirements for exterior wood and gaff rigging.
• Potential for core rot in wooden decks and coachroofs.