Designed by Martin Bludworth and launched in 1972, this 29-footer represents a classic era of American sailboat design when builders focused on creating capable coastal cruisers with honest sailing characteristics. Gulf Coast Sailboats produced this model with traditional fiberglass construction and a practical masthead sloop rig that prioritizes ease of handling over racing performance. The boat's substantial 9,500-pound displacement and moderate beam of 9 feet create a stable platform well-suited for coastal cruising and weekend adventures. With a fin keel and spade rudder configuration drawing 4.5 feet, the Gulf Coast 29 offers good directional stability while maintaining reasonable shallow-water accessibility for gunkholes and protected anchorages. Her comfort ratio of 32.63 indicates a motion that favors steadiness over speed, making her an excellent choice for sailors who prioritize a predictable ride in moderate conditions. The capsize screening value of 1.7 falls within acceptable ranges for coastal sailing, though this design is best kept closer to shore rather than venturing into offshore passages. With 340 square feet of sail area and a modest 12-horsepower auxiliary engine, the Gulf Coast 29 delivers the relaxed sailing experience that many cruising sailors seek, emphasizing comfort and reliability over outright performance.
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What is the Gulf Coast 29's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Gulf Coast 29 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 12.17. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Gulf Coast 29's comfort ratio?
The Gulf Coast 29 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 32.63. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Gulf Coast 29 safe for offshore sailing?
The Gulf Coast 29 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.7. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Gulf Coast 29?
The theoretical hull speed of the Gulf Coast 29 is 6.29 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Gulf Coast 29 weigh?
The Gulf Coast 29 has a displacement of 9,500.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 29.00 ft.
Who designed the Gulf Coast 29?
The Gulf Coast 29 was designed by Martin Bludworth, first built in 1972.