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Sailboat Specifications

Davidson 29

Masthead Sloop · Fin W/Bulb & Spade Rudder

Designed by Laurie Davidson · Built by First Cabin Marine · First built 1994

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LOA 29.75 ft  ·  Beam 11.25 ft  ·  Displacement 7,100.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 500.00 ft²  ·  Masthead Sloop  ·  Fin W/Bulb & Spade Rudder
About the Davidson 29 Sailboat

Designed by renowned New Zealand naval architect Laurie Davidson, this 29-footer represents a rare opportunity for sailors seeking a performance-oriented coastal cruiser with serious pedigree. Davidson, famous for his America's Cup designs and high-performance racing yachts, applied his expertise to create a boat that balances speed with livability in a compact package. Built by First Cabin Marine for just two years in the mid-1990s, only two examples of this model were ever completed, making it an exceptionally rare find. The hull features Davidson's signature fin keel with bulb and spade rudder configuration, delivering the kind of crisp handling and upwind performance that made the designer's name legendary in racing circles. With a displacement of 7,100 pounds and 2,400 pounds of ballast, the boat offers excellent stability for coastal cruising while maintaining enough lightness for spirited sailing. The masthead sloop rig provides 500 square feet of sail area, giving it impressive performance potential. The comfort ratio of 16 indicates a boat designed more for sailing enjoyment than accommodation luxury, while the capsize screening formula of 2.34 suggests it's best suited for protected waters and coastal adventures rather than offshore passages.

Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 29.75 ft / 9.07 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 26.25 ft / 8.00 m
Beam 11.25 ft / 3.43 m
Max Draft 6.00 ft / 1.83 m
Displacement 7,100.00 lb / 3,221 kg
Ballast 2,400.00 lb / 1,089 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 500.00 ft² / 46.45 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/bulb & spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Laurie Davidson
Builder First Cabin Marine
First Built 1994
Last Built 1995
Number Built 2
Related Sailboats X 302 · First 300 Beneteau · Olson 29 · J30 · First 29 Beneteau
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Davidson 29's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Davidson 29 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 21.72. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Davidson 29's comfort ratio?

The Davidson 29 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 16. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Davidson 29 safe for offshore sailing?

The Davidson 29 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.34. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Davidson 29?

The theoretical hull speed of the Davidson 29 is 6.87 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Davidson 29 weigh?

The Davidson 29 has a displacement of 7,100.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 29.75 ft.

Who designed the Davidson 29?

The Davidson 29 was designed by Laurie Davidson, first built in 1994.