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Zap 29
Designer: Bruce King  ·  Builder: Zap Marine (Usa)  ·  First built: 1978
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About the Zap 29

Designed as a compact and nimble sailboat, the Zap 29 occupies an interesting niche for sailors seeking a manageable yet capable vessel. While detailed specifications for this model remain relatively scarce, the boat's size places it squarely in the category of day sailing and light coastal cruising, making it an appealing option for those who want a responsive, easy-to-handle platform without the complexity of a larger cruising yacht. Boats in this size range typically strike a balance between solo or short-handed sailing and comfortable outings with a small crew. The Zap 29 likely appeals to sailors who prioritize simplicity and accessibility, whether that means weekend coastal adventures or relaxed day sails on protected waters. Its compact dimensions suggest it would be well-suited to marina environments where slip space is at a premium. For prospective buyers, the limited documentation available on this model means that connecting with current owners or class associations — if one exists — would be particularly valuable for gaining firsthand insight into the boat's performance characteristics and long-term ownership experience.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 29.00 ft / 8.84 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 22.50 ft / 6.86 m
Beam 9.33 ft / 2.84 m
Max Draft 5.80 ft / 1.77 m
Displacement 3,300.00 lb / 1,497 kg
Ballast 1,482.00 lb / 672 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Bruce King
Builder Zap Marine (USA)
First Built 1978
Related Sailboats J/29 · Cal 2 29 · C&C 29 · Mirage 29 · Cal 29
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
125
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
44.91
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
129.34
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. 4.5 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 25.19
J (Foretriangle Base) 10.00 ft / 3.05 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 348.00 ft² / 32.33 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) 129.34
How It Compares

vs. C&C 29, Cal 2 29, Cal 29, J/29, Mirage 29

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Zap 29 ★
29.0 ft
C&C 29
29.0 ft
Cal 2 29
29.0 ft
Cal 29
29.0 ft
J/29
29.0 ft
Mirage 29
29.0 ft
LWL
Zap 29 ★
22.5 ft
C&C 29
Cal 2 29
24.0 ft
Cal 29
24.0 ft
J/29
24.3 ft
Mirage 29
24.3 ft
Beam
Zap 29 ★
9.3 ft
C&C 29
Cal 2 29
9.3 ft
Cal 29
9.3 ft
J/29
10.7 ft
Mirage 29
10.5 ft
Displacement
Zap 29 ★
3 lbs
C&C 29
Cal 2 29
8 lbs
Cal 29
8 lbs
J/29
5 lbs
Mirage 29
6 lbs
Ballast
Zap 29 ★
1 lbs
C&C 29
Cal 2 29
3 lbs
Cal 29
3 lbs
J/29
2 lbs
Mirage 29
2 lbs
Sail Area
Zap 29 ★
C&C 29
Cal 2 29
422 sq ft
Cal 29
J/29
392 sq ft
Mirage 29
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Zap 29 ★
125 s/nm
C&C 29
159 s/nm
Cal 2 29
Cal 29
183 s/nm
J/29
Mirage 29
174 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Zap 29 ★
C&C 29
Cal 2 29
16.9
Cal 29
J/29
21.3
Mirage 29
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Zap 29 ★
44.9 %
C&C 29
Cal 2 29
41.9 %
Cal 29
41.9 %
J/29
40.5 %
Mirage 29
33.8 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Zap 29 ★
C&C 29
Cal 2 29
25.0
Cal 29
J/29
22.1
Mirage 29
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Zap 29 ★
C&C 29
Cal 2 29
1.85
Cal 29
J/29
1.76
Mirage 29
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Zap 29 ★
129
C&C 29
Cal 2 29
258
Cal 29
258
J/29
97
Mirage 29
212
Hull Speed
Zap 29 ★
C&C 29
Cal 2 29
6.6 kts
Cal 29
J/29
7.5 kts
Mirage 29
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