Islander 29

[lucbernard5]

I just bought a 1968 Islander 29 for a very good price. The boat is mostly in very good shape but needs a lot of cosmetic work. The Atomic 4 ran without a sputter while we cruised the Little Calumet to the current storage location. I took everything removable home with me and already started working on refinishing the drawers and cabinet doors. A lot of work but I needed a hobby anyway.

As much as I look around, I can't seem to find any information on this model. Also, I can't find anyone who has another Islander 29. Could this be the last one remaining? Not likely. If anyone can point me in the right direction to find ANY info on this boat, I would be most appreciative.

Thanks

[dacap06]

You can find some basic info here on sailboatdata.com. I am not surprised you can't find much - the 29 was only made in '68 and '69. Atom Voyages did a paragraph on the 29 that said this:

Islander 29 - LOA: 29' LWL: about 23' Beam: 8'11"' Draft: 3'8" Displacement: 7,800 - 8,100 lbs. ? Ballast: 2,500 lbs.? lead. Total sail area: 392 sq. ft. General Comments: Built by Wayfarer Yachts of Costa Mesa, CA. beginning in 1969. Also called the Wayfarer 29. Minuses: Low companionway entrance looks vulnerable to flooding, but can be modified. Atomic 4 gas inboard was standard. Not many produced. More info: ISLANDER 29 Sailboat details on sailboatdata.com

It is probably worth mentioning that if you use hatch boards, you should think about leaving the bottom board in place if there a chance you may get pooped. You may want to take a look at this fellow's blog - he sails an I-29 named S/V Zen out of San Francisco.

Also, there's not a lot available on the Internet about the history of Islander Yachts in general. Mostly, what there is, is confusing because of company splits and shared models. On the other hand, looking your boat ups as a Wayfarer may get you a little farther along. This page at sailboatdata.com is the most I have found so far.

I also want to mention that this page lists two different rig dimensions for the I-29 .... don't know what that's all about, but you will need to sort it out if you want to order sails. Mostly, it closely agrees with the dimensions quoted in sailboatdata.com.

Good luck with your new boat! I have derived great enjoyment from my Islander and hope you do the same.

Regards,

DaCAP

[lucbernard5]

DaCAP, thanks so much for the links. Only two years in production? That would explain the challenge in getting any info. I'll take your advice about the bottom hatch board. I should mention that this is my first sailboat so I'm a complete beginner. I'm taking the Power Squadrons course right now and will spend most of next summer sailing with experienced friends.
Thanks again.
Luc

[dacap06]

Luc, I just noticed that the hyperlink in my previous post that points to the rigging page was mangled by automatic tagging. Let me try posting it both ways: The Rig page hyperlink should point to "http://www.mauriprosailing.com/techinfo/boatspecs/Rig I.htm".

Good Luck!

[krustyluv]

here in Honolulu, Waianae to be exact--any info about this cool boat 1966 greatly appreciated, esp links----Tom

[byrd151]

We had a 69 Islander 29 for about 5 years.....loved the boat - had it's quirks but had a lot of charm. She is still over across from the Islander 32 we now have. We PHRF race and we won more silver with that boat than any of the other 8 I've owned. Had a 3GM30 Yanmar in it which was nice. Did a lot over time....the chainplates mounted to the bulkheads were a problem and we redid those and made bulletproof. Rudder pintle on bottom was wore out and fabbed and new one which helped. Rewired, new lights normal stuff for a boat that old. Still at times like her better than the newer one we have now. There was 2 in Pensacola FL but they were sunk in Hurricane Ivan. Knew of another in New Orleans but not sure if it survived or not.
Thisisus
Islander 32
Mobile AL

[krustyluv]

just bought an isalnder 29, cant find much about it on the web
any hints--other owners wanna chat?
Tom--Honolulu

[brad-low]

It's January 2012 and unable to locate any Islander 29 groups....SF Bay Area? Attempting to change out the Atomic Four and replace with a used Yanmar 2GMF diesel. Would like to "hook up" with other I-29'ers for hints and quirks, suggestions and experiences. Used to own another Islander 29 about 15 years ago and "cruised" Southern California and Catalina Island.....loved it! Please correspond if you happen to be in the SF Bay Area.