DAVIDSON 29
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 29.75 ft |
| LWL | 26.25 ft |
| Beam | 11.25 ft |
| Draft | 6 ft |
| Displacement | 7,100 lb |
| Ballast | 2,399.8 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.9 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 42.5 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 12 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 37.5 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 13.08 ft |
| FLforestay | 12 ft |
| Mainsail | 519.9 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 255 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 433.5 sq ft |
About the DAVIDSON 29
The Davidson 29 is a rare, narrow-production vessel designed by Laurie Davidson and built by First Cabin Marine between 1994 and 1995, with only 2 hulls constructed. Its extremely limited build count of 2 makes it a unique collector's item rather than a mass-market model, requiring prospective buyers to rely heavily on individual vessel history rather than fleet-wide trends.
- Best for:
- This boat suits experienced coastal cruisers or single-handlers seeking a lightweight, responsive masthead sloop with a high sail area-to-displacement ratio (21.72) for performance sailing. Its narrow production run means it is best for buyers willing to undertake significant, specialized maintenance and structural repairs.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low capsize ratio of 2.34 and a comfort ratio of 16.0, the Davidson 29 is designed for coastal and nearshore cruising rather than heavy offshore passage-making. Its light displacement and fin keel configuration prioritize speed and handling in moderate conditions over the heavy seakeeping required for extended bluewater voyages.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats from the mid-1990s include the O'Day 282 and Catalina 28, which share similar LOA dimensions and coastal cruising roles. However, the Davidson 29 differs significantly with its much lower displacement (7100.0 lb) and higher performance-oriented ratios compared to these heavier, more common cruisers.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(1 certificate)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 4.3 | 5.6 | 6.3 | 6.6 | 6.8 | 6.8 | 6.9 | 6.9 | 6.9 |
| 60° | 4.5 | 5.8 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.1 | 7.2 | 7.1 |
| 75° | 4.7 | 5.9 | 6.6 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.3 | 7.4 | 7.6 | 7.6 |
| 90° | 4.5 | 5.8 | 6.5 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 7.7 | 8.0 | 8.2 |
| 110° | 4.2 | 5.7 | 6.6 | 7.1 | 7.5 | 7.9 | 8.2 | 8.6 | 8.8 |
| 120° | 4.1 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.5 | 7.9 | 8.4 | 9.3 | 10.2 |
| 135° | 3.5 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 6.7 | 7.2 | 7.6 | 8.1 | 9.5 | 12.2 |
| 150° | 2.9 | 4.2 | 5.3 | 6.2 | 6.8 | 7.2 | 7.6 | 8.6 | 10.7 |
| Beat VMG | 2.7 | 3.7 | 4.4 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.9 |
| Run VMG | 2.5 | 3.6 | 4.5 | 5.4 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.7 | 9.3 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the DAVIDSON 29 yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 29.75ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
15 reported issues across 7 systems for the DAVIDSON 29, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a DAVIDSON 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 15 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 DAVIDSON 29?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar — is it one of these?
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the DAVIDSON 29
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…