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Rhodes Ranger 29
Designer: Philip Rhodes  ·  Builder: De Visser (Holland)  ·  First built: 1960
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About the Rhodes Ranger 29

Designed by naval architect Philip Rhodes, this 29-foot sailboat represents the craftsmanship and sailing philosophy that made Rhodes one of America's most respected yacht designers of the mid-20th century. Known for creating boats that balanced performance with seaworthiness, Rhodes brought his decades of experience designing everything from America's Cup racers to ocean cruisers to this compact offering. The Ranger 29 embodies the classic lines and proportions typical of Rhodes designs, featuring a moderate displacement hull that provides stability and comfort in various conditions. Built during an era when fiberglass construction was becoming standard, these boats were engineered for durability and longevity, traits that have helped many survive decades of sailing. This size range makes the boat well-suited for coastal cruising and weekend adventures, offering enough space for a small crew while remaining manageable for single-handed sailing. The Rhodes reputation for creating boats with predictable handling characteristics extends to the Ranger 29, making it an appealing choice for sailors seeking a traditional sailing experience with proven pedigree. While not built in large numbers, these boats have developed a following among enthusiasts who appreciate classic yacht design principles.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 28.50 ft / 8.69 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 20.00 ft / 6.10 m
Beam 8.00 ft / 2.44 m
Max Draft 3.82 ft / 1.16 m
Displacement 7,965.00 lb / 3,613 kg
Ballast 2,750.00 lb / 1,247 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 328.00 ft² / 30.47 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Philip Rhodes
Builder de Visser (Holland)
First Built 1960
Owner Reviews

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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
239
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
13.2
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
34.2
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
1.6
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. 5.99
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
0.76
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. 571.7
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 30.5
J (Foretriangle Base) 10.8
P (Mainsail Luff) 27.3
E (Mainsail Foot) 12.0
SA Fore 164.7
SA Main 163.8
How It Compares

vs. Columbia 29 Mkii, Ranger 29 Mull, Soverel 28

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Rhodes Ranger 29 ★
28.5 ft
Columbia 29 Mkii
28.5 ft
Ranger 29 Mull
28.6 ft
Soverel 28
28.5 ft
LWL
Rhodes Ranger 29 ★
20.0 ft
Columbia 29 Mkii
22.5 ft
Ranger 29 Mull
23.0 ft
Soverel 28
23.5 ft
Beam
Rhodes Ranger 29 ★
8.0 ft
Columbia 29 Mkii
8.0 ft
Ranger 29 Mull
9.3 ft
Soverel 28
8.3 ft
Displacement
Rhodes Ranger 29 ★
7 lbs
Columbia 29 Mkii
8 lbs
Ranger 29 Mull
6 lbs
Soverel 28
7 lbs
Ballast
Rhodes Ranger 29 ★
2 lbs
Columbia 29 Mkii
4 lbs
Ranger 29 Mull
3 lbs
Soverel 28
1 lbs
Sail Area
Rhodes Ranger 29 ★
328 sq ft
Columbia 29 Mkii
Ranger 29 Mull
410 sq ft
Soverel 28
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Rhodes Ranger 29 ★
239 s/nm
Columbia 29 Mkii
Ranger 29 Mull
Soverel 28
222 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Rhodes Ranger 29 ★
13.2
Columbia 29 Mkii
Ranger 29 Mull
18.5
Soverel 28
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Rhodes Ranger 29 ★
Columbia 29 Mkii
48.8 %
Ranger 29 Mull
Soverel 28
18.0 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Rhodes Ranger 29 ★
34.2
Columbia 29 Mkii
Ranger 29 Mull
21.4
Soverel 28
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Rhodes Ranger 29 ★
1.60
Columbia 29 Mkii
Ranger 29 Mull
1.98
Soverel 28
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Rhodes Ranger 29 ★
Columbia 29 Mkii
329
Ranger 29 Mull
Soverel 28
240
Hull Speed
Rhodes Ranger 29 ★
6.0 kts
Columbia 29 Mkii
Ranger 29 Mull
6.4 kts
Soverel 28
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Rhodes Ranger 29 ★
0.8
Columbia 29 Mkii
Ranger 29 Mull
2.4
Soverel 28
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