Surveying a 1979 Bayfield 29

[Ghy6525]

I'm Heading next week to look at a 1979 Bayfield 29. I'm asking if anyone can give me some hints on what to look for on the boat besides basic boat where an tear. The Boat has been up Hard for the past 3 years in Florida. looks to be in decent shape but the engine has not been ran since the last time in was sailing.The head and fuel tank where replaced with in the past 3 years.

Does anybody have any helpful tips specific to a 79' B29?

Thanks,

Grant

[GordMay]

Check out ➥ Dave Bieman: Bayfield 29

[Bay29]

Many of the 29 details on the Web apply mostly to later years. Our '79 has a Yanmar YSM 12- single cylinder diesel. Vibration is an issue with that engine so check motor mounts. Comes with a hand crank to start it with!
Early models did not have the forward bulkhead properly mounted to the cabin top (bulkhead with the head door). Squeaks badly in waves, potential structural issue in really heavy weather. Fairly easy fix.
Ours does not have the opening hatch above the engine on the cockpit sole. Boat could have either wheel or tiller steering, short or extended bowsprit. If extended check for rot.
Ours has spent at least 8 years on the hard during its life- 6 straight years in one instance, engine fired immediately when we bought it after 2 years sitting in a parking lot.
Water pools on the aft deck- check hull sides of quarter berths for water traces.
Boat is slooow. Cutter rig is not so efficient for the size of the boat, but shallow draft allows some shortcuts that the deeper guys cannot take.
Don't buy one if you want to be a loner at the marina. We have a green hull and shiny bright work, and constantly have dock walkers stopping to ask about it.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Bay29.

[dochip]

Check the Bayfield Users Group on yahoo.
Lots of wisdom there

[boatpoker]

Good suggestions from Bay29. The AC electrical system, if original has all sorts of problems from domestic type single pole breaker, solid core copper conductors, improper grounding, no bonding etc. Could be even worse if played with by inexperienced hands over the years.

[rumiko dan]

We have a Bayfield 29, 1978, hull #20, cruised for a year in the Sea of Cortez / w. coast Mexico. On hard now but hopefully not too much longer. We love her.

Points about front bulkhead are good. Check the lower bulkhead connection, our starboard side one was broken loose, but an easy fiberglass fix.

We tore out most of the AC wiring and redid what was left.

If it has the original engine, it is old so lots to check there..... We are needing to repower and are going electric, it is a sailboat afterall!

That is all I can think of specific to the B29.

The comment of it's cuteness is correct.

Did I say we love it?

If you do buy it, we did a fair amount of customizing for cruising, so hollar if you have move questions.

Dan