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San Juan 29
Designer: Don Clark  ·  Builder: San Juan Manufacturing  ·  First built: 1984
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About the San Juan 29

Designed by Don Clark and built by San Juan Manufacturing beginning in 1984, this 29-footer represents a solid entry into the popular cruiser-racer category of the mid-1980s. The boat's fin keel and spade rudder configuration delivers responsive handling characteristics that appeal to sailors seeking both weekend cruising comfort and occasional racing performance. With a displacement of 6,200 pounds and a substantial ballast ratio provided by 3,100 pounds of ballast, the San Juan 29 offers reassuring stability for coastal cruising and moderate offshore passages. The masthead sloop rig carries 383 square feet of sail area, providing adequate power in light to moderate conditions while remaining manageable for small crews. The boat's fiberglass construction reflects the reliable building standards of its era, while the 10-foot beam provides comfortable interior volume without sacrificing sailing performance. A comfort ratio of 18.38 suggests this design favors spirited sailing over ultimate cruising luxury, making it well-suited for active sailors who prioritize boat handling over spacious accommodations. The San Juan 29 earned recognition as a versatile coastal cruiser capable of club racing, offering new sailors an accessible path into performance-oriented sailing while providing experienced crews with a responsive, seaworthy platform for extended coastal adventures.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 28.83 ft / 8.79 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 22.33 ft / 6.81 m
Beam 10.00 ft / 3.05 m
Max Draft 4.50 ft / 1.37 m
Displacement 6,200.00 lb / 2,812 kg
Ballast 3,100.00 lb / 1,406 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 383.00 ft² / 35.58 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Don Clark
Builder San Juan Manufacturing
First Built 1984
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Performance Ratios
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
 18.21
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
 50
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
 248.59
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
 18.38
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
 2.18
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. 6.33 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
 2.3
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. 797.88 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. 18.22
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 37.75 ft / 11.51 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 12.00 ft / 3.66 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 33.00 ft / 10.06 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 9.50 ft / 2.90 m
SA Fore 226.50 ft² / 21.04 m²
SA Main 156.75 ft² / 14.56 m²
SA Total (100%) 383.25 ft² / 35.61 m²
Est. Forestay Length 39.61 ft / 12.07 m
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