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Master 30
Designer: Frans Maas  ·  Builder: Master Marine (Uk)  ·  First built: 1979
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About the Master 30

Built during an era when performance-oriented cruising sailboats were gaining popularity, this 30-foot vessel represents a thoughtful balance between sailing capability and practical accommodation. The Master 30 emerged from a design philosophy emphasizing seaworthiness and versatility, making it an attractive option for sailors seeking a capable coastal cruiser with occasional offshore potential. With its moderate proportions and traditional sailplan, the boat demonstrates predictable handling characteristics that inspire confidence in both novice and experienced sailors. The design incorporates a sensible approach to deck layout and cockpit ergonomics, facilitating single-handed sailing while providing adequate space for weekend cruising with family or friends. Below deck, the accommodation plan maximizes the available space within the 30-foot waterline, offering comfortable sleeping quarters and essential amenities for extended cruising adventures. The construction reflects the building standards of its era, emphasizing durability and straightforward maintenance. This sailboat particularly suits coastal exploration and weekend getaways, with enough capability for longer passages when conditions permit. Its size makes it manageable for trailer sailing in some configurations, expanding cruising opportunities for owners willing to explore different sailing grounds. The Master 30 appeals to sailors prioritizing reliability and comfort over pure racing performance.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 30.00 ft / 9.14 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 24.00 ft / 7.32 m
Beam 10.67 ft / 3.25 m
Max Draft 3.92 ft / 1.19 m
Displacement 8,960.00 lb / 4,064 kg
Ballast 3,585.00 lb / 1,626 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Frans Maas
Builder Master Marine (UK)
First Built 1979
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
40.01
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
289.35
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 5.49 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 40.01
P (Mainsail Luff) Diesel
E (Mainsail Foot) Volvo
Engine & Accommodations
Horsepower 35
Fuel Capacity 35 gals / 132 L
Water Capacity 35 gals / 132 L
How It Compares

vs. Amigo 33, Catalina 30, Catalina 30 Mkii, Dark Harbor 20, Ranger 30

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Master 30 ★
30.0 ft
Amigo 33
29.5 ft
Catalina 30
29.9 ft
Catalina 30 Mkii
29.9 ft
Dark Harbor 20
30.0 ft
Ranger 30
30.0 ft
LWL
Master 30 ★
24.0 ft
Amigo 33
23.5 ft
Catalina 30
25.0 ft
Catalina 30 Mkii
25.0 ft
Dark Harbor 20
20.0 ft
Ranger 30
25.4 ft
Beam
Master 30 ★
10.7 ft
Amigo 33
9.9 ft
Catalina 30
10.8 ft
Catalina 30 Mkii
10.8 ft
Dark Harbor 20
6.7 ft
Ranger 30
10.8 ft
Displacement
Master 30 ★
8 lbs
Amigo 33
8 lbs
Catalina 30
10 lbs
Catalina 30 Mkii
10 lbs
Dark Harbor 20
5 lbs
Ranger 30
10 lbs
Ballast
Master 30 ★
3 lbs
Amigo 33
3 lbs
Catalina 30
4 lbs
Catalina 30 Mkii
4 lbs
Dark Harbor 20
2 lbs
Ranger 30
4 lbs
Sail Area
Master 30 ★
Amigo 33
Catalina 30
446 sq ft
Catalina 30 Mkii
437 sq ft
Dark Harbor 20
357 sq ft
Ranger 30
462 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Master 30 ★
Amigo 33
Catalina 30
180 s/nm
Catalina 30 Mkii
186 s/nm
Dark Harbor 20
Ranger 30
170 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Master 30 ★
Amigo 33
Catalina 30
15.2
Catalina 30 Mkii
14.9
Dark Harbor 20
19.1
Ranger 30
15.5
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Master 30 ★
40.0 %
Amigo 33
44.7 %
Catalina 30
41.2 %
Catalina 30 Mkii
41.2 %
Dark Harbor 20
50.4 %
Ranger 30
41.0 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Master 30 ★
Amigo 33
24.3
Catalina 30
24.9
Catalina 30 Mkii
24.9
Dark Harbor 20
27.7
Ranger 30
25.6
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Master 30 ★
Amigo 33
1.95
Catalina 30
2.00
Catalina 30 Mkii
2.00
Dark Harbor 20
1.55
Ranger 30
1.97
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Master 30 ★
289
Amigo 33
289
Catalina 30
291
Catalina 30 Mkii
291
Dark Harbor 20
290
Ranger 30
285
Hull Speed
Master 30 ★
Amigo 33
6.5 kts
Catalina 30
6.7 kts
Catalina 30 Mkii
6.7 kts
Dark Harbor 20
6.0 kts
Ranger 30
6.8 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Master 30 ★
Amigo 33
Catalina 30
1.6
Catalina 30 Mkii
1.6
Dark Harbor 20
Ranger 30
1.7
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