the y-29 is a centercockpit, you can see a lot of info and photos at
www.yamahasailboats.org , . Have you ever sailed on a Y-30, is it very similar to a Y-33?
Hi, I've never been on the 29, but I do have a 30.
The 29 is an ... interesting ... looking boat. There is one close to my dock. I would imagine it likely sails well and is probably well laid out below 'cuz the Yamahas all seem to be.
I was introduced to Yammies by looking at a 25. I was blown away by the innovation in the interior layout so I kept my eyes open.
The 30 is very well laid out inside, tons of headroom, storage and usable space. Well thought out. Sails very nicely, and I singlehand 95% of the time. I believe she'd still pose a threat if I were racing her. Location of the propeller (midway between keel & rudder) means that she'll back up like a champ, but also means it's difficult to use prop wash (not walk) on the rudder. In other words she'll move quite a few feet in either direction before the rudder takes effect. She does have prop walk too, though not terrible. I'm still experimenting with low speed maneuvering. Otherwise I find the helm nicely balanced and light, either under sail or motoring.
My last boat was a Ranger 28, and the Y30 is a much bigger boat! Beamier, more topsides and windage. Lots of clear deck space, comfortable cockpit, though I admit that using folding deck cushions help as the coamings don't provide a huge amount of back support.
I thought it'd be a bear at anchor, but it seems to ride quite nicely, not swinging all over the place.
I was looking for a 33, but the 30 came up at a great price (and I was having trouble finding moorage for the extra 3 feet anyway.) The 33 might be to big a boat to singlehand around the dock for me. (Though it may be that my tricky moorage access is influencing me right now.)
30' & 33's seem to sell fairly quickly up here in the PNW.
cheers,
jcm
