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Islander 29
Designer: J.h.mcglasson  ·  Builder: Wayfarer Yacht Corp. / Islander Yachts (Usa)  ·  First built: 1968
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About the Islander 29

Designed by J.H. McGlasson and built by Wayfarer Yacht Corp./Islander Yachts, this 29-footer represents a brief but noteworthy entry in late-1960s sailboat design. With only a two-year production run from 1968-1969, the Islander 29 showcases the era's emphasis on practical coastal cruising capabilities wrapped in a traditional masthead sloop configuration. The boat's proportions reveal a design optimized for comfortable day sailing and weekend cruising. Her generous beam of 8.83 feet provides good interior volume and initial stability, while the moderate displacement of 7,800 pounds strikes a balance between performance and seaworthiness. The fin keel design with 3.67 feet of draft offers reasonable shoal-water access without sacrificing upwind performance. With a sail area to displacement ratio of 16 and hull speed of 6.47 knots, this yacht delivers respectable performance for coastal adventures. The comfort ratio of 26.43 indicates a boat that prioritizes motion comfort over racing potential, making her well-suited for relaxed cruising. The capsize screening value of 1.78 suggests good stability characteristics for protected waters and moderate coastal conditions. While production numbers were limited, the Islander 29 represents solid fiberglass construction typical of the period's emphasis on durability and traditional sailing qualities.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 29.08 ft / 8.86 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 23.33 ft / 7.11 m
Beam 8.83 ft / 2.69 m
Max Draft 3.67 ft / 1.12 m
Displacement 7,800.00 lb / 3,538 kg
Ballast 2,500.00 lb / 1,134 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 392.00 ft² / 36.42 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer J.H.McGlasson
Builder Wayfarer Yacht Corp. / Islander Yachts (USA)
First Built 1968
Last Built 1969
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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
 210
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 16
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 32.05
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 274.22
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 26.43
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 1.78
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 6.47 kn
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 1.87
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 736.07 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 15.99
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 33.18 ft / 10.11 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 11.25 ft / 3.43 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 30.00 ft / 9.14 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 13.67 ft / 4.17 m
SA Fore 186.64 ft² / 17.34 m²
SA Main 205.05 ft² / 19.05 m²
SA Total (100%) 391.69 ft² / 36.39 m²
Est. Forestay Length 35.04 ft / 10.68 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Universal
Engine Model Atomic 4
Engine Type Gas
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