| Bristol 29.9 | |
| Designer: | Halsey Chase Herreshoff |
| Location: | United States |
| Year: | 1977 |
| No Built: | 216 |
| Class: | MORC |
| Builder: | Bristol Yachts |
| Draft: | 4.33feet |
| Displacement: | 86500NaN0 |
| Hull Type: | Monohull |
| Construction: | Fiberglass |
| Loa: | 29.92feet |
| Lwl: | 24feet |
| Beam: | 10.17feet |
| Engine: | Universal Atomic 4 150NaN0 gasoline engine |
| Keel Type: | fin keel |
| Ballast: | 36000NaN0 |
| Rudder Type: | skeg-mounted rudder |
| Rig Type: | Bermuda rig |
| I: | 37.5feet |
| J: | 11.25feet |
| P: | 32feet |
| E: | 11.25feet |
| Sailplan: | Masthead sloop |
| Sailarea Main: | 180square feet |
| Sailarea Headsail: | 210.94square feet |
| Sailarea Total: | 390.94square feet |
| Phrf: | 193 (average) |
The Bristol 29.9 is an American sailboat that was designed by Halsey Chase Herreshoff as a Midget Offshore Racing Class and International Offshore Rule racer and first built in 1977.[1] [2] [3]
The design was built between 1977 and 1986 by Bristol Yachts in Bristol, Rhode Island, United States, but it is now out of production. Total production was 216 examples.[1] [3] [4]
The Bristol 29.9 is a recreational keelboat, built predominantly of fiberglass, with wood trim. It has a masthead sloop rig, a spooned raked stem, a vertical transom, a skeg-mounted rudder controlled by a wheel and a fixed fin keel or optionally, a stub keel and centerboard. It displaces 86500NaN0 and carries 36000NaN0 of lead ballast.[1] [3]
The keel-equipped version of the boat has a draft of 4.33feet, while the centerboard-equipped version has a draft of 7.5feet with the centerboard extended and 3.5feet with it retracted.[1]
A taller rig for use in areas with lighter winds was an option. The tall mast was about 2.5feet taller than standard.[1]
The design was initially fitted with a Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine, but this was replaced in production by a Yanmar diesel engine of 150NaN0. Later a Universal diesel engine of 160NaN0 was used. The fuel tank holds and the fresh water tank has a capacity of .[1]
The boat had two factory cabin layouts that were available, differing in the galley location. Both galley layouts have a stainless steel sink and a two-burner stove. The head has a privacy door and is located forward, just aft of the bow "V"-berth. Additional sleeping space is provided by the dinette settee, a second settee and an aft berth, for a total sleeping accommodation for six people. Interior wood trim is mahogany while the cabin sole is teak.[3]
Ventilation is provided by a scoop-type ventilator forward of the mast, a skylight hatch over the cabin table and a second hatch above the forward cabin. There are ten cabin ports.[3]
The boat has jiffy reefing genoa tracks and four cockpit winches. The mainsheet traveler is mounted on the cabin top.[3]
The design has a PHRF racing average handicap of 193.[3]
In a 2005 review in Good Old Boat magazine, writer Karen Larson, described the design, "the 29.9 was designed to race under the International Off-shore Rule (IOR) and Midget Ocean Racing Club (MORC) rules, but people soon realized that it made a better cruiser than racer. At 29 feet 11 inches with a 10-foot 2-inch beam and displacing 8,650 pounds with 3,600 pounds of ballast, it was called “less-than-sprightly” by Practical Sailor."[5]
Jack Hornor, reviewing the design in 2017, in The Spinsheet, noted, "owners report a well mannered boat and general satisfaction with her speed and performance. There is a large rudder that provides a responsive helm and a good sized skeg forward of the rudder for good directional control and to aid in keeping those pesky crab pots off the propeller. I would expect that, with a ballast/displacement ratio of 42%, a relatively wide beam of 10’ 2" and a conservative sail/displacement ratio of 14.8, this is a boat that would stand up to a blow quite well. On the other hand, we sail here on the Chesapeake where summertime winds are often light. I would think a good light air number one genoa would be essential equipment around here."[6]
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