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Olson 29
Designer: George Olson  ·  Builder: Pacific Boats Inc.  ·  First built: 1984
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About the Olson 29

Designed by George Olson and built by Pacific Boats in the early 1980s, the Olson 29 earned a devoted following among West Coast racing sailors looking for a fast, lightweight performer without the complexity of larger offshore machines. Part of a celebrated family of designs that includes the iconic Olson 30, the 29 shares the same DNA of minimalist construction and hull speed that made these boats legendary on the Pacific racing circuit. Built with a focus on performance over comfort, the Olson 29 is best suited to spirited coastal racing and day sailing rather than extended bluewater passages. Its lightweight fiberglass construction and clean hull form allow it to plane in the right conditions, making it a genuinely exciting boat to sail in a breeze. The design rewards active, skilled crews who enjoy working the boat hard. For buyers researching a budget-friendly entry into competitive racing, or those simply wanting a responsive and rewarding coastal sailer, the Olson 29 represents a compelling option with an established class presence and a strong reputation for pure sailing fun.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 29.67 ft / 9.04 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 27.50 ft / 8.38 m
Beam 9.33 ft / 2.84 m
Max Draft 5.58 ft / 1.70 m
Displacement 3,600.00 lb / 1,633 kg
Ballast 1,950.00 lb / 885 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 365.00 ft² / 33.91 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer George Olson
Builder Pacific Boats Inc.
First Built 1984
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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
 99
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
 24.93
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
 10.09
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
 2.44
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. 7.03
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
 6.15
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. 916.77
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 34.0
J (Foretriangle Base) 11.0
P (Mainsail Luff) 32.5
E (Mainsail Foot) 11.5
SA Fore 187.0
SA Main 186.88
Find a Olson 29 For Sale
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