BAYFIELD 29

About the BAYFIELD 29

The design of the Bayfield 29, as well as documentation from Bayfield, indicates a displacement of 7,100 pounds. However, we have seen that Bayfield's president at the time was quoted as saying the boat is actually built heavier and stronger than called for, placing its actual displacement around 8,500 lbs / 3856 kg. Photo courtesy of Adam Hunt.

Designed by Ted Gozzard and built by Bayfield Boatyard, the Bayfield 29 is a robust, full-keel cutter produced between 1978 and 1983, with a total of 350 hulls constructed. Its heavy displacement of 8500.0 lb and full/long keel configuration prioritize stability and seakeeping over speed, making it a classic example of a traditional bluewater cruiser from the late 1970s.

Best for:

This boat is best suited for coastal cruisers and conservative bluewater sailors who prioritize safety, comfort, and ease of single-handed handling over high-performance racing capabilities. Its cutter rig and heavy displacement make it particularly appealing to those seeking a stable, forgiving platform for extended offshore passages.

Bluewater capability:

With a capsize ratio of 2.0 and a comfort ratio of 25.0, the Bayfield 29 demonstrates strong inherent stability and motion comfort, making it highly suitable for offshore cruising despite its moderate sail area-to-displacement ratio of 18.04.

Comparables:

Comparable boats include the Hallberg-Rassy 35 and the Tartan 34, as they share similar full-keel, heavy-displacement designs intended for offshore durability. The Cal 34 is also a relevant comparison, offering a similar era and role, though often with a slightly different rig configuration.