Hallberg-Rassy
HR 29
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We are confirming an exact hull photo for this model. Specifications and survey notes are complete.
The HR 29 is one of Northern Europe's most recognisable production sailboats. Developed by Hallberg-Rassy as a compact pocket cruiser and built from 1982 to 1994, several hundred hulls left the yard — one of the most financially accessible entries into the HR brand. With 8.9 m LOA, 2.85 m beam, and about 4,628 kg displacement, the model suits couples and small crews cruising the Baltic, Skagerrak, and North Sea. The HR 29 trades below the yard's larger center-cockpit icons but still carries conservative GRP construction and strong Scandinavian resale confidence. Sub-30-foot berth classes in Stockholm and Gothenburg keep annual costs lower than HR 31 or HR 34 cross-shops — a reason the model remains liquid on Blocket despite its age. Nordic buyers should compare asking price against documented rigging, fuel-system modernization, and keel-joint condition — cosmetic refreshes rarely replace deferred structural maintenance. Expect 56,000–133,000 kr annual baseline in Swedish marinas with realistic technical reserves. FairHelm tracks HR 29 listings because these hulls trade constantly on Blocket, Scanboat, and German brokerage sites. Buyers are rarely choosing between "good" and "bad" boats — they are choosing between documented maintenance and deferred work. A polished teak cockpit or new plotter does not cancel unknown rigging age, aged fuel lines, or moisture at chainplates. That is why survey discipline matters more here than brand romance. For Nordic ownership, HR 29 works as a coastal weekender with occasional longer passages when equipped for cold-water sailing: reliable heating, solid ground tackle, and a realistic technical reserve beyond berth and insurance. Compare adjacent models in FairHelm's [model guides](/en/yachts/models/) and read survey notes before committing a deposit. The cheapest asking price on Blocket is rarely the cheapest boat to own over three seasons. When you shortlist an HR 29, build a simple survey scorecard: keel-hull joint integrity, fuel-system age, rigging invoices, and chainplate bedding. Owner forums and yard quotes from Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Helsingør help you separate cosmetic refresh from structural deferral — especially on boats marketed as "ready to sail" without invoices.
At a glance
Quick facts
- Production
- 1982–1994
- LOA
- 8.9 m
- Beam
- 2.85 m
- Model
- HR 29
Technical data
- Length overall (LOA)
- 8.9 m
- Beam
- 2.85 m
- Production years
- 1982–1994
Typical problems
- What keel-hull joint issues appear on HR 29?
- Cyclic loading after 30+ years can stress the joint; internal staining or recurring fairing cracks warrant specialist survey.
- What aged fuel-system issues appear on HR 29?
- Original tanks, hoses, and shutoffs often need staged replacement — budget modernization before offshore plans.
- What deck bedding failures appear on HR 29?
- Stanchion bases and hardware clusters concentrate moisture; localized rebedding runs 8,000–22,000 kr per zone.
- What standing rigging fatigue issues appear on HR 29?
- Unknown rigging age is common on classics; treat missing invoices as near-term replacement Capex.
- What chainplate leak issues appear on HR 29?
- Chainplate bedding failures often show as ceiling stains — moisture mapping before purchase.
Design History
The Hallberg-Rassy 29 was developed as a compact, practical cruiser for sailors who wanted Hallberg-Rassy reliability and resale confidence in a smaller and more affordable package. At approximately 8.90 m LOA and around 2.85 m beam, the HR 29 sits below the yard's larger center-cockpit icons but still carries the brand's emphasis on seaworthiness, conservative construction, and owner-oriented ergonomics. The model gained traction with couples and small families cruising in Scandinavian coastal waters where marina access, handling simplicity, and manageable annual costs were major decision factors.
Production ran from 1982 to 1994; owner-community references suggest a meaningful run for a premium sub-30-foot class, with several hundred boats still in circulation. The model's long market life means examples today can differ heavily in engine history, deck fittings, electrical updates, and moisture-control quality.
The HR 29 was not positioned as a stripped racing platform; it was designed for practical cruising security and long service life. Surveys of older boats highlight two recurring concerns in present-day purchases: keel-hull joint condition after decades of cyclic loading, and older fuel-system components that may no longer meet current reliability expectations. When inspected carefully and updated responsibly, the HR 29 remains a highly usable and liquid classic in the Nordic used-boat ecosystem.
Annual Ownership Costs
| Cost item | Low (SEK) | High (SEK) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marina berth (sub-30 ft) | 16,000 | 31,000 | Easier access than larger classes |
| Insurance | 7,000 | 13,000 | Depends on valuation and usage |
| Haul-out + winter storage | 10,000 | 19,000 | Yard and cradle choices |
| Bottom maintenance | 5,000 | 12,000 | Materials plus occasional labour |
| Engine / fuel-system service | 6,000 | 20,000 | Older components can raise costs |
| Rigging reserve | 6,000 | 16,000 | Age often unknown on classics |
| Structural reserve (keel joint) | 6,000 | 22,000 | Survey-led interventions |
| Total annual | 56,000 | 133,000 | Excludes major refit episodes |
An HR 29 can be one of the most financially accessible entries into Hallberg-Rassy ownership, especially in Sweden where berth and winter costs are lower for sub-30-foot boats. The main economic risk is age concentration rather than model flaw — plan staged fuel, electrical, and sealing upgrades rather than judging the boat by modern production standards.
Pre-Purchase Survey Checklist
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist: Hallberg-Rassy HR 29
Hull, Keel Joint and Structure
- Inspect keel-hull joint externally and internally for crack recurrence, movement traces, and old filler-only repairs.
- Check bilge structure around keel bolts or backing zones for corrosion and compression marks.
- Moisture-map lower hull and inspect any historical laminate repairs for quality and adhesion.
Deck and Exterior Penetrations
- Inspect deck fittings and stanchion bases for moisture ingress into local core zones.
- Verify hatch, portlight, and cockpit-drain sealing condition after decades of service cycles.
- Check chainplate access points and surrounding interior surfaces for leak evidence.
Rig, Spar and Sails
- Confirm standing rigging age and replacement history; unknown age should be priced as near-term replacement.
- Inspect mast base, spreaders, and terminals for corrosion fatigue and load marks.
- Test furling and reefing hardware under sail to detect wear and friction.
Engine, Fuel and Electrical Baseline
- Audit fuel tank, hoses, filters, and shutoffs; older systems often need full modernization.
- Review cooling and exhaust components for age-related reliability risk.
- Inspect electrical distribution, charging, and grounding for legacy wiring issues.