Islander 29 (and its windows)

[Ryban]

I have found a couple good deals on Islander 29s, and though not originally on my list, their price, simplicity, and sturdy build are attracting my attention.

Aside from all boats of this age, one additional concern noted on the Atom Voyages website is the low companion way -- but this is easily remedied.

Of more concern to me are the large windows. For reference, see this photo:
http://www.sailboatlistings.com/sail...29746/main.jpg

Are these a liability, and would it be prudent to fabricate storm boards for them?

[Don C L]

My old boat was a McGlasson design like the Islander 29. There are a couple a few slips down from me that are in very good shape. I have not sailed the 29, but I hear folks like them. The biggest problem I have with them, just looking at the specs, is that while the 24 was fine with its ballast, I think the 29 may be a little too light in the ballast and a little too shallow draft for good stability and windward performance. But as I say, I haven't sailed one. The McGlasson progression was sort of the Columbia 24, then stretched by Columbia to make a 26, and then the I29 is in there, but then for some reason he decided to make it a shallower draft, and the ballast is almost the same as the 26 MK1 (which btw I think is a very good all around pocket cruiser.) My 24 was built very well by Columbia and I have heard that the Islanders were also pretty stout. As far as the windows, they can be refitted with thicker plexiglas that should take care of structural concerns.

COLUMBIA 24 sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com
COLUMBIA 26 sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com
ISLANDER 29 sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com

[Ryban]

As usual, a wealth of information!

I didn't realize those two boats were of the same basic design. I think you're right in that, at least on paper, the Columbia 26 is probably a more sea-kindly boat when compared to the Islander 29. My limited research has led me to believe all 3 of these boats are built like tanks, even if they're not the highest-quality, or nicest-looking boats out there.

I don't see too many of these on the main market, but I think boats like these are more likely to be on places like craigslist.

[sailorchic34]

I have a 72 islander 34 (probably a 1970 as it as a kit and only dated when it was finished and registered, and it is indeed a tank. Windows are a weak point as the glass in mine was 3/16" thick safety glass, which is really two 3/32" pieces of glass with a plastic middle to keep the bits together on breakage. I would perhaps replace with 1/4" acrylic or have a few wood boards with dogs to install quickly if a window breaks.

I know some have added external acrylic windows too.

[Orion Jim]

You won't truly appreciate how large and vulnerable your ports are until you're a few hundred miles from anything in a gale. Storm shutters are the cure regardless of what material they are constructed of. Best to fit them before you head to sea.
After you've increased the height of your bridgedeck don't forget about a simple and quick way to secure your companionway.

[Ryban]

Originally Posted by Orion Jim

After you've increased the height of your bridgedeck don't forget about a simple and quick way to secure your companionway.

Can you elaborate here? Maybe I'm just not familiar with the terminology. I thought the fix would be to place secured boards about 6" high at the bottom of the companion way to prevent water from flooding into the cabin, and then have a modified companion way board to close the companion way. Of course, making these as water tight as possible.

[skipper53]

Seems like preventing glass.would be better accomplished by fixing the shutters on the outside. Drawback to that is need to put them in place from on deck. Putting them up before the weather gets too bad would be key.

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by Don C L

My old boat was a McGlasson design like the Islander 29. There are a couple a few slips down from me that are in very good shape. I have not sailed the 29, but I hear folks like them. The biggest problem I have with them, just looking at the specs, is that while the 24 was fine with its ballast, I think the 29 may be a little too light in the ballast and a little too shallow draft for good stability and windward performance. But as I say, I haven't sailed one. The McGlasson progression was sort of the Columbia 24, then stretched by Columbia to make a 26, and then the I29 is in there, but then for some reason he decided to make it a shallower draft, and the ballast is almost the same as the 26 MK1 (which btw I think is a very good all around pocket cruiser.) My 24 was built very well by Columbia and I have heard that the Islanders were also pretty stout. As far as the windows, they can be refitted with thicker plexiglas that should take care of structural concerns.

COLUMBIA 24 sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com
COLUMBIA 26 sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com
ISLANDER 29 sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com

Don my dad had one of the 29s back in the late 80's and it sailed comperable to my 24 with nust a bit more speed .
As far as the ports if you are worried at all you can add a lexan outer to reenforce it.
I recomend lexan over plexiglass due t ok the aditional flex it has without cracking.