CONTEST 29
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 29 ft |
| LWL | 24 ft |
| Beam | 8.25 ft |
| Draft | 4.25 ft |
| Displacement | 8,500 lb |
| Ballast | 3,299.7 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.6 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 34 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 11 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 29.5 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 12.4 ft |
| FLforestay | 11 ft |
| Mainsail | 181 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 58 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 550 sq ft |
About the CONTEST 29
Sail area: - Main: 181 ft² - Genoa #1: 261 ft² - Genoa #2: 198 ft² - Storm jib: 58 ft² - Spinnaker: 550 ft²
Designed by G. Luyten and built by Coniplex from 1964–1976, the Contest 29 is a classic cruising sloop with a production run of 247 hulls. Its substantial displacement of 8500.0 lb and comfort ratio of 30.98 reflect a design prioritizing seakeeping and stability over pure speed.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and those seeking a comfortable, stable platform for weekend trips or short offshore passages, particularly owners willing to manage older mechanical systems.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.62 and a D/L ratio of 274.5, the boat is structurally robust for offshore use, though its age and common structural issues require careful vetting for serious bluewater cruising.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Cal 30 and O'Day 30, which share similar displacement and era, offering alternative choices for buyers seeking a 30-foot cruising sloop with moderate performance.
Performance
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 29ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
11 reported issues across 7 systems for the CONTEST 29, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CONTEST 29? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 11 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your CONTEST 29?
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Used sails that fit the CONTEST 29
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