KELT 29
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 27.88 ft |
| LWL | 24.75 ft |
| Beam | 10.17 ft |
| Draft | 5.3 ft |
| Displacement | 6,394 lb |
| Ballast | 2,645.2 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.7 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 34.8 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 10.3 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 33.5 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 9.9 ft |
| FLforestay | 10.3 ft |
| Mainsail | 358.3 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 179.2 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 304.7 sq ft |
About the KELT 29
Also known as the KELT 8.5 and later became the FEELING 29. See KELT 8.5.
The Kelt 29 is a compact, fractional sloop designed by Gilles Vaton and built by Kelt Marine (FRA) in 1983. With a displacement of 6394.0 lb and a beam of 10.17 ft, this vessel represents a specific era of European coastal cruising design, though the exact number of hulls built remains unconfirmed.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize a manageable LOA of 27.88 ft and a comfortable interior over long-range offshore endurance. Its fractional sloop rig and moderate SA/D ratio of 16.07 make it accessible for single-handers or couples seeking a low-maintenance package.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 2.2 and a relatively light displacement of 6394.0 lb, the Kelt 29 is best suited for protected coastal waters rather than extended bluewater passages. Its fin keel and comfort ratio of 17.51 suggest a motion that is lively in chop, limiting its appeal for serious offshore voyaging.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Beneteau First 27 and the O'Day 28, as they share similar LOA dimensions and target the same market of entry-level coastal cruisers from the early 1980s. These vessels offer similar fractional sloop configurations and displacement ranges, providing alternative options for buyers seeking this specific size and handling profile.
Direct variant of the KELT 29
Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.
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° | 3.2 | 4.4 | 5.3 | 5.9 | 6.2 | 6.4 | 6.6 | 6.7 | 6.7 |
| 60° | 3.4 | 4.6 | 5.5 | 6.1 | 6.4 | 6.6 | 6.7 | 6.9 | 6.9 |
| 75° | 3.5 | 4.8 | 5.7 | 6.2 | 6.5 | 6.7 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.3 |
| 90° | 3.4 | 4.7 | 5.6 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 6.9 | 7.1 | 7.4 | 7.7 |
| 110° | 3.4 | 4.7 | 5.7 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.3 | 7.9 | 8.3 |
| 120° | 3.2 | 4.5 | 5.5 | 6.2 | 6.6 | 7.0 | 7.3 | 8.0 | 8.8 |
| 135° | 2.8 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.9 | 6.4 | 6.8 | 7.1 | 7.7 | 8.7 |
| 150° | 2.3 | 3.4 | 4.4 | 5.3 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 7.4 | 8.1 |
| Beat VMG | 2.0 | 2.8 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.7 |
| Run VMG | 2.0 | 3.0 | 3.9 | 4.6 | 5.3 | 5.9 | 6.3 | 6.9 | 7.4 |
Estimated Value
Limited DataEstimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 27.88ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
5 reported issues across 4 systems for the KELT 29, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a KELT 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 5 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 KELT 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, Perkins — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the KELT 29
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…