Designed by Rod Johnstone and introduced in 1982, the J/29 emerged as a performance-oriented one-design racer built to deliver spirited sailing without the complexity of larger offshore boats. Produced until 1987 with a fleet of 298 hulls, it occupies an interesting niche as a boat that rewards skilled sailors while remaining accessible enough for weekend club racing and coastal cruising. The J/29's fractional sloop rig and fin keel with spade rudder configuration reflect the performance-focused design priorities common to the J/Boats lineage, offering responsive handling and a generous sail area-to-displacement ratio that makes it lively in a range of conditions. Its relatively wide beam contributes to stability and cockpit comfort, while the moderate displacement keeps things moving in lighter air. With a comfort ratio of just over 22, this is primarily a performance daysailer and racer rather than a long-distance passagemaker. The capsize screening value sits in an acceptable range for coastal use, though prospective buyers should approach offshore passages with appropriate caution. For sailors seeking an engaging, competitive one-design with an established class history and proven racing credentials, the J/29 remains a compelling option on the used market.
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- Based on asking prices — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
- Condition, year, location, and included equipment are not factored in.
- Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering.
- See our full analysis: What Thousands of Sailboat Listings Tell Us About Used Boat Prices.
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What is the J/29's sail area to displacement ratio?
The J/29 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 21.29. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the J/29's comfort ratio?
The J/29 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 22.1. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the J/29 safe for offshore sailing?
The J/29 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.76. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the J/29?
The theoretical hull speed of the J/29 is 7.52 knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a J/29 weigh?
The J/29 has a displacement of 5,800 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 29.00 ft.
How much does a used J/29 cost?
Based on 3 recent market listings, used J/29 sailboats typically sell for between $12,000 and $13,500, with a median asking price of $13,500. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the J/29?
The J/29 was designed by Rod Johnstone, first built in 1982.