The Beneteau Evasion 29 is a French-built motorsailer introduced in the early 1980s, designed by André Bénéteau. As part of the Evasion series, it was developed to offer cruising sailors the flexibility of both sail and motor propulsion without sacrificing comfort or seaworthiness. With its traditional styling and practical layout, the Evasion 29 is well-regarded among sailors looking for a solid, compact cruising platform.
Design and Construction
The Evasion 29 features a solid fiberglass hull with a long fin keel and a skeg-mounted rudder, enhancing directional stability while under sail or power. The hull shape leans towards a moderate displacement profile, which balances interior volume and seaworthiness. With an LOA of 28.87 feet and a beam of 10.17 feet, the boat offers a compact but surprisingly spacious platform for extended cruising.
The deck layout is clean, with high bulwarks and a secure cockpit. The cutter rig or masthead sloop configuration (depending on version) gives the boat flexibility in sail handling and efficient performance in various wind conditions. The classic lines and robust build quality reflect Beneteau’s focus on producing reliable offshore cruisers in this era.
Performance
Under sail, the Evasion 29 performs admirably for a motorsailer. With a reported sail area of approximately 490 square feet and a displacement of 8,818 lbs, the boat achieves a sail area/displacement ratio around 18, indicating moderate but capable performance. The hull speed of 6.7 knots makes it suitable for long coastal passages and weekend cruising alike.
Its ballast-to-displacement ratio of 40% contributes to good initial stability, while the long keel ensures solid tracking. While not a racer by any means, the Evasion 29 is predictable and steady, excelling in comfort and reliability over speed.
Comfort and Accommodations
Inside, the Evasion 29 is impressively outfitted for its size. The layout typically includes a forward V-berth, a spacious salon with a convertible dinette, and an aft cabin or berth, allowing it to sleep four to six comfortably. The galley is located aft near the companionway and is equipped with a stove, sink, and storage.
The interior features warm wood finishes and ample storage, making it practical for extended living aboard. Headroom is generous at around 6 feet, and the boat includes a functional navigation station and enclosed head with shower—unusual luxuries on a vessel of this size.
Safety and Practicality
The Evasion 29 was designed with long-distance safety and practical use in mind. The skeg-hung rudder provides additional protection in case of grounding, while the long keel supports smooth, directional movement at sea. With a diesel engine of around 30 HP (typically a Volvo Penta MD11C), the boat performs well under power—an essential trait for a motorsailer.
Fuel and water capacities are generous for a boat under 30 feet (about 40 gallons and 53 gallons respectively), allowing for longer periods between resupply. Its seaworthy construction and thoughtful systems layout ensure that the boat can handle extended cruising in varying conditions.
Conclusion
The Beneteau Evasion 29 strikes a compelling balance between motor cruising and sailing capability. It is ideal for sailors who prioritize comfort, reliability, and ease of handling over high-performance sailing. While not flashy or fast, the Evasion 29 delivers consistent, steady performance with enough onboard amenities to make it a dependable small cruiser for coastal and near offshore adventures. A true sailor’s motorsailer, it remains a respected choice for those in search of versatility and durability.
Specifications
| Hull Type | Fin with rudder on skeg |
|---|---|
| Rigging Type | Masthead Sloop |
| LOA | 30.84 ft / 9.40 m |
| LOD | 28.87 ft / 8.80 m |
| LWL | 25.20 ft / 7.68 m |
| S.A. (reported) | 484.00 ft² / 44.97 m² |
| Beam | 10.17 ft / 3.10 m |
| Displacement | 8,818.00 lb / 4,000 kg |
| Ballast | 3,527.00 lb / 1,600 kg |
| Max Draft | 4.76 ft / 1.45 m |
| Construction | FG |
| Ballast Type | Cast iron |
| First Built | 1980 |
| Last Built | 1984 |
| Builder | Beneteau (FRA) |
| Designer | André Bénéteau |
| Auxiliary Power/Tanks (orig. equip.) | Make: Volvo Type: Diesel Fuel: 40 gals / 151 L |
| Accommodations | Water: 53 gals / 201 L |
| Sailboat Calculations – Definitions |
S.A. / Displ.: 18.20 Bal. / Displ.: 40.00 Disp: / Len: 245.99 Comfort Ratio: 23.07 Capsize Screening Formula: 1.97 Hull Speed: 6.73 kn Pounds/Inch Immersion: 915.73 pounds/inch |
Disclaimer
The considerations and analyses presented regarding the Beneteau Evasion 29 sailboat are of a general nature and are based on the available information and technical data on this model, interpreted to the best of our knowledge and understanding. It is important to note that the specific characteristics of any particular sailboat may vary due to custom modifications, maintenance performed, and conditions of use over time, among other factors. Therefore, the details and performance of the boat you are considering may not exactly match the information provided here.
We strongly recommend that, before making any purchasing or usage decisions, you conduct a detailed inspection of the boat in question, consult with nautical professionals and other sailors, and consider your personal needs, expectations, and capabilities. Each sailboat may have unique particularities that affect its performance and suitability for different types of sailing and sailors.
The information contained in this analysis should be used as a general guide and not as a definitive reference. Professional evaluation and personal inspection are essential to ensure that the boat meets your specific requirements and expectations.