Thoughts and opinions on a kings cruiser 29

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Hi all,
This is my first post but I’ve been a long time reader of the forums.
I’m hoping to get some opinions on the kings cruiser 29. Especially for cross Chanel stuff as well as further trips, med perhaps.

As theirs so little information on this model it would be great to get some opinions on the kings cruiser 29 especially in comparison with other well known proven seaworthy designs.

cheers all
 
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Hi & welcome to the forum, here's a link to a previous thread with some useful info. Nice looking boats and I would imagine will sail well, relatively small on the inside compared to equivalent length modern design. Also worth having a look at the info on sailboatdata.com and getting your head around all the numbers. As with all older boats condition is everything and for that reason it is not particularly useful to restrict your choice to particular makes/models. Look at anything and everything in your price range and treat each on its merits but if you're a long time lurker you probably don't need to be told that. Good luck with your search...(y)
 
One used to race local to me, it always went well and was admired. The family kept it a long time.

As there are no quarter berths the cockpit stowage is good, bulwarks are nice to have at sea. I would like an anchor locker but others prefer keeping an anchor at the bow. The substantial, encapsulated (no keel bolts to fuss over) ballast is carried low on a 5ft draft which points to a good, strongly performing, seaboat.

I would say it is a boat to club race or cruise one or two up, rather than a family cruiser. If you admire this style of yacht and have your eye on one it must be a serious contender. There are very few similar designs around, at this size, as many builders were trying to cram space into their boats.
Having said that, it is all down to condition. You would be a mug to pay over the top for a boat that needed a lot of TLC.

.
 
Thank you for the reply’s. I have come across that linked thread before, I’ve searched for everything I can find, which isn’t a great deal. The data on sailboat data suggests a design which in theory would make a very seaworthy design that should handle difficult weather well.

I agree the bulwarks are nice to have as is the encapsulated keel which also offers significant protection to the rudder despite being separate. It is also skeg hung but it is only a partial skeg so of little benefit? Your right there’s not many in this size of similar design. The general concept/hull/keel/rudder design as well as proportions remind me a little of the contessa 32. We all know what capable boat that has proved in heavy seas. Would the kings cruiser be similar perhaps? Or is it an unrealistic comparison? If I was asking about a contessa 26, a folkboat, albin vega or similar I would I’m sure get reply’s of incredibly seaworthy and capable of making offshore passages but in little comfort and space etc etc (obviously these a all long keels with transom hung rudders though). The kings cruiser 29 at least on paper, on sailboatdata and looking at the shape/design etc should surely been seen as just a good boat in similar conditions but with considerably more room(even though it is still small by modern standards), still there’s almost standing room. That’s kinda what I’m after, a boat with the reputation of the ones mentioned or at least the capabilities but with more room. But within a tight budget and I can improve/update over time.


I’m not sure if we can talk numbers on here but what would be to much for a 29ft 4 birth yacht such as a kings cruiser which although usable and in tidy condition does need some general tlc? Another thing to consider is resale value and ease of selling in the future as they are not particularly well known. Working out the value of a boat is difficult and can vary so much depending on so many things.
 
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Atr said:
I’m not sure if we can talk numbers on here but what would be to much for a 29ft 4 birth yacht such as a kings cruiser which although usable and in tidy condition does need some general tlc?
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I can't talk to what would be a fair price, and I hear the market has responded to the pandemic, but perhaps if you paid as much for one as for a Fulmar in similar condition, that might be "too much", depending on how you feel about the full keel and other points of comparison.

The Fulmar is a couple of feed longer and they were made in large numbers. You should be able to find a few to compare prices with and those are easy to resell.
 
Atr said:
Thank you for the reply’s. I have come across that linked thread before, I’ve searched for everything I can find, which isn’t a great deal. The data on sailboat data suggests a design which in theory would make a very seaworthy design that should handle difficult weather well.

I agree the bulwarks are nice to have as is the encapsulated keel which also offers significant protection to the rudder despite being separate. It is also skeg hung but it is only a partial skeg so of little benefit? Your right there’s not many in this size of similar design. The general concept/hull/keel/rudder design as well as proportions remind me a little of the contessa 32. We all know what capable boat that has proved in heavy seas. Would the kings cruiser be similar perhaps? Or is it an unrealistic comparison? If I was asking about a contessa 26, a folkboat, albin vega or similar I would I’m sure get reply’s of incredibly seaworthy and capable of making offshore passages but in little comfort and space etc etc (obviously these a all long keels with transom hung rudders though). The kings cruiser 29 at least on paper, on sailboatdata and looking at the shape/design etc should surely been seen as just a good boat in similar conditions but with considerably more room(even though it is still small by modern standards), still there’s almost standing room. That’s kinda what I’m after, a boat with the reputation of the ones mentioned or at least the capabilities but with more room. But within a tight budget and I can improve/update over time.


I’m not sure if we can talk numbers on here but what would be to much for a 29ft 4 birth yacht such as a kings cruiser which although usable and in tidy condition does need some general tlc? Another thing to consider is resale value and ease of selling in the future as they are not particularly well known. Working out the value of a boat is difficult and can vary so much depending on so many things.
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It's difficult to imagine a Kings Cruiser 29 much above 12k even in superb condition, simply because it starts to get near the bottom end of other designs like the Sadler 26, 29 and 32 as well as the Fulmar, already mentioned by KK above. You would normally expect them in average condition for very much less, with some in the bargain basement sub 5k. Your problem is finding one, you could search for years and see only a couple unless, perhaps, you are willing to look abroad.

The hull shape above water is Contessa like as you say. Having the partial skeg and the prop in clear water should mean it will motor better so there are gains and losses as in most things. Two boats you might consider which are similar in some respects are the 30ft ish She:

The SHE 31 Sailboat : Bluewaterboats.org

And the Elizebethan 30:

https://sailboatdata.com/sailboat/elizabethan-30

.
 
A chap I know sailed one single handed across Biscay in a Force 9 in October once. He won a seamanship award. i thought he was a Twit for setting sail when the rest of us were waiting for the gales to pass. I don’t think there’s any doubt about their ability at sea!
 
Thanks for all the responses. I did do a bit of comparison on the fulmars price wise although their quite a different boat. The reason I’m looking at the kings cruiser is because there’s one local to me, and after your post re the fulmars and what you think kings cruisers going rates would be I think it’s a good price. It does need a bit of work here and there though but all within my capabilities I think and ultimately would be a lovely sensible sized and capable boat I think that’s a little different to many.
The albin Ballard is a lovely looking boat I’ve always liked them, I’ve actually looked at that very ad already as it’s not far from where I live. Tbh I never even heard of the kings cruiser until this opportunity to buy one came up and within my budget. I instantly liked the design/shape and thought it would be a seaworthy design. The guy who sailed across biscay in a force 9 is either nuts/lucky or very skilled ha probably all three! Still it says something about the boat and it’s abilities.
 
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I would suggest that she would be a tough, sea worthy boat but without much in the way of creature comforts. An old land rover defender springs to mind.

For a serious sailor or sailor couple, who want to cover significant distances safely, a good cheap choice. There are better choices to cruise in if comfort is valued. Realistically, will you be battling a force 8 in winter? A cross channel or a summer Biscay crossing does not need that level of potential safety, many more comfortable boats can do that.

I think the £5k to 12k range is about right. Better to buy at 12k with a newish engine, rigging, electronics and sails if you can find one. If tlc is needed think about the safety aspects of the whole package not just the keel/rudder configaration. A engine or rigging failure is much more likely than a keel or rudder issue. Would not be my choice but neither would a 1960’s Land Rover, each to their own.
 
In my opinion you should look at what boats are available first, and screen them for suitability, before worrying about specific models.

What you want is a solid boat in good condition that has had time and money lavished on it by a caring (and "knowledgable") owner.

You never get back from selling a yacht the money you spent on it - Dylan Winter famously bought a Centaur for about what the engine was worth, for example.

We upgrade our yachts out of love, so better the previous owner has spent a fortune on it and made upgrades, than you buying a cheaper boat and on which you end up spending far (far!) more.

I mentioned the Fulmar only as an example - don't get hung up on it. I happen to like the Fulmar, but there are plenty of other yachts that I'd like just as much and I do think the Kings Cruiser is very pretty - I don't see why I wouldn't choose one if the circumstances were right. You mentioned in your original comment that you might want to travel further afield, e.g. the Med, in which case I might consider something a little larger, up to 35'. Friends had a Barbican 33 that I liked a lot.
 
Kings Cruiser would have to be in truly exceptional condition to realistically be asking five figures I'd have thought. It's not the one on Apollo Duck with "POA" is it? Why on earth anybody would think it a good idea to list an old sailboat as "POA" I cannot imagine...
 
Friend of mine is selling really nice example of King Cruiser 29, Ashore in Portsmout. New set of sails, new spray hood, upholstery, copper coat...pm me if you need his contact information.
 
Atr said:
Hi all,
This is my first post but I’ve been a long time reader of the forums.
I’m hoping to get some opinions on the kings cruiser 29. Especially for cross Chanel stuff as well as further trips, med perhaps.

As theirs so little information on this model it would be great to get some opinions on the kings cruiser 29 especially in comparison with other well known proven seaworthy designs.

cheers all
Click to expand...
I have owned a Kings Cruiser 29 for the past 18 months and am in the process of bringing her back to a good standard of seaworthiness. I have managed to take her out sailing a few times with sailors much more experienced and knowledgeable than me and they have commented on her sailing ability and looks. The consensus is that Kings Cruisers are a solid boat that are capable of coastal sailing and going further afield. Let me know if you want any further information.
 
Thanks all for all the comments and help/advice it’s really helped me to decide and I’ve bought the kings cruiser I was talking about. No it wasn’t the one on Apolloduck, I did see that and thought the same thing re poa! I’m quite busy at the moment at work but I will post some pictures when I get some time. The boat needs a few bits and pieces doing but for the price theirs room plus even if I bought a more expensive boat I would still spend more on it than it would be worth. I’ve just put the sails in for a clean and any repairs that they may need, and once lockdown is over I will be sailing her the 30miles or so home, can’t wait!
 
Shamaya said:
Friend of mine is selling really nice example of King Cruiser 29, Ashore in Portsmout. New set of sails, new spray hood, upholstery, copper coat...pm me if you need his contact information.
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thanks, I did consider the possibility but a bit far from where I live especially given the current situation. It wasn’t the same kings cruiser that fairly recently sailed around the U.K. was it by any chance?
 
After owning a King's cruiser 29 for two years now I can attest to its ability to handle heavy weather. She's handled many nasty Atlantic blows and keeps chugging. Give her a clean hull, good sails and she is surprisingly quick and points like an angry wife. I've reinforced the mast step which was straightforward enough just as a prevent any future issues.
In my opinion she offers very good value as statistically she's very similar to a contessa 32 but a ton lighter, for a lot less money.
She's small inside with 5 foot 7 headroom but does everything else very well.
Find one with a good engine and you're flying.
Will you probably want a bigger boat after owning one?
Possibly.........but it's very very hard to sell her and spend multiple thousands more to find something as pretty with for 3 extra feet and a ton more lead. Imo.
 
Sinkingslowly said:
After owning a King's cruiser 29 for two years now I can attest to its ability to handle heavy weather. She's handled many nasty Atlantic blows and keeps chugging. Give her a clean hull, good sails and she is surprisingly quick and points like an angry wife. I've reinforced the mast step which was straightforward enough just as a prevent any future issues.
In my opinion she offers very good value as statistically she's very similar to a contessa 32 but a ton lighter, for a lot less money.
She's small inside with 5 foot 7 headroom but does everything else very well.
Find one with a good engine and you're flying.
Will you probably want a bigger boat after owning one?
Possibly.........but it's very very hard to sell her and spend multiple thousands more to find something as pretty with for 3 extra feet and a ton more lead. Imo.
Click to expand...
Kings Cruiser 29 is really beautiful boat, there is really nice one for sale now, with the new set of sails, copper coat, spray hood…
Owner so much on her last few years.
She is moored at Greenwich Yacht Club, London. Pm me if you need owners details.
 
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