Tripp Lentsch 29 Information, Review, Specs

The vessel is characterized by its significant overhangs, a narrow beam relative to modern standards, and a graceful sheer line. While often grouped with other Tripp designs of the era, such as the Seafarer-built yachts, the Lentsch 29 is frequently cited by maritime historians for its superior Dutch joinery and heavier lay-up compared to its contemporary counterparts.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Tripp Lentsch 29 is a traditionalist’s sailing machine, prioritizing stability and tracking over raw speed or light-air agility. With a displacement of approximately 9,400 lbs and a ballast-to-displacement ratio that leans heavily toward stiffness, the boat excels when the breeze freshens. Its full keel with a cutaway forefoot and a substantial 4’6” draft allows it to track reliably on long offshore fetches, requiring less attention at the helm than modern fin-keel designs.

In light air, the boat’s relatively high wetted surface area and conservative sail area/displacement ratio (roughly 15.5) mean it can feel "sticky." However, once the hull reaches its hull speed—governed by a relatively short 20'6" waterline—the 29 becomes a momentum-driven cruiser that handles chop with a characteristic "thump-free" motion. Owners frequently report that the boat feels significantly larger than its 29-foot length, a sentiment echoed in retrospectives of Bill Tripp’s "pocket cruisers" which were designed to handle the rigorous conditions of the Atlantic. The helm is typically balanced, though like many CCA designs, it can develop a degree of weather helm if the mainsail is not reefed early.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Tripp Lentsch 29 reflects the high standards of 1960s Dutch craftsmanship, featuring extensive use of mahogany and teak that provides a warmth rarely found in modern production boats. The layout is a classic four-berth configuration: a forward V-berth, a head compartment separating the cabins, and two longitudinal settees in the main salon.

While the 8'11" beam limits lateral living space compared to modern wide-stern designs, the use of space is efficient. The galley is typically located aft, flanking the companionway to minimize motion for the cook while underway. Headroom is approximately 6'1" in the main cabin, which was generous for a 29-footer of its era.

Regarding siblings and variations, the Tripp Lentsch 29 is part of a family of "Tripp-Lentsch" collaborations. Its most famous sibling is the larger Medalist 33 (also known as the Tripp Lentsch 33), which offers a similar aesthetic but with increased tankage and a dedicated navigation station. There was also a smaller Meridian 25, though that model lacked the "Lentsch" designation in many markets. Most 29s were rigged as sloops, though a few custom iterations may exist with varied interior cabinetry depending on the original owner's specifications during the build process in Amsterdam.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Purchasing a Tripp Lentsch 29 today requires a diligent assessment of its 60-year-old structural components. While the hulls are famously overbuilt, they are not immune to age-related degradation.

1. Mast Step Compression: The mast is deck-stepped, and over decades, the wooden block or support structure beneath the step can rot or compress. Buyers should look for sagging in the overhead or doors that no longer align in the head compartment.
2. Deck Core Integrity: Like many early fiberglass boats, the decks utilized a balsa or plywood core. Delamination and "soft spots" are common around the chainplates, stanchion bases, and the cockpit coamings. A moisture meter and percussion testing are essential during a survey.
3. Hull-to-Deck Joint: The joint is a traditional inward-turning flange. While robust, the original sealant may have dried out, leading to persistent leaks that can damage the mahogany interior bulkheads.
4. Chainplate Corrosion: The stainless steel chainplates are often original. Crevice corrosion where they pass through the deck is a high-signal area for inspection, as failure can lead to a catastrophic rig loss.
5. Osmotic Blistering: Early GRP hulls from the 1960s utilized resins that are prone to osmosis. While rarely structural on a hull this thick, a "pock-marked" bottom may require an expensive peel and barrier coat treatment.

Community & Resources

The Tripp Lentsch 29 benefits from a niche but dedicated following of "plastic classic" enthusiasts. While there is no longer a formal factory association, technical data and owner support are primarily managed through the Classic Boat Yacht Club networks and specialized Bill Tripp design forums. Owners often find shared technical lineage with the Seafarer Yacht Owners groups, as many of the hardware and rigging solutions used on the Lentsch 29 were standardized across Tripp’s other designs of the period.

The Verdict

The Tripp Lentsch 29 is a connoisseur’s cruiser, offering a level of aesthetic grace and sea-kindliness that modern designs struggle to replicate. It is an ideal vessel for a couple or a solo sailor looking for a "forever boat" capable of coastal hopping or occasional offshore passages in comfort.

Pros:

• Exceptional Build Quality: Dutch craftsmanship and heavy fiberglass layup ensure longevity.
• Timeless Aesthetics: One of the most beautiful profiles of the CCA era.
• Sea-Kindliness: Tracks exceptionally well and handles heavy weather with ease.

Cons:

• Maintenance Intensive: The extensive wood trim and aged systems require a high "sweat equity" investment.
• Limited Light Air Performance: High wetted surface makes it slow in breezes under 8 knots.
• Tight Interior: Narrow beam results in less living volume than contemporary 25-27 foot boats.