Back to Search
Nimble 30
Designer: Ted Brewer  ·  Builder: Nimble Boats  ·  First built: 1985
+ Add to Compare
About the Nimble 30

Designed with the spirit of adventure in mind, the Nimble 30 is a capable coastal and offshore cruiser that appeals to sailors seeking a reliable, seaworthy companion for extended passages and weekend explorations alike. Built by Nimble Boats, a company with a reputation for crafting sturdy, trailerable sailboats with a loyal following, the Nimble 30 carries on that tradition of practical, well-thought-out design. The boat is generally regarded as a comfortable and manageable cruiser, well-suited to bluewater passages as well as protected coastal waters. Nimble vessels are known for their solid construction and attention to seakindly hull forms, making them a sensible choice for sailors who prioritize safety and comfort over outright speed. The brand has cultivated a dedicated community of owners who appreciate the boats' approachable handling characteristics and practical layouts below deck. For those researching a first offshore cruiser or a dependable passage-maker that won't overwhelm a short-handed crew, the Nimble 30 is a name worth exploring further, particularly within the brand's enthusiastic owner community where firsthand experience is readily shared.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 29.92 ft / 9.12 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 25.67 ft / 7.82 m
Beam 9.33 ft / 2.84 m
Max Draft 4.50 ft / 1.37 m
Displacement 6,500.00 lb / 2,948 kg
Ballast 2,450.00 lb / 1,111 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 450.00 ft² / 41.81 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Yawl
Construction FG
Designer Ted Brewer
Builder Nimble Boats
First Built 1985
Related Sailboats ["Catalina 30" · "Tartan 3000" · "Hunter 30" · "S2 92 C" · "Bristol 299"]
Owner Reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.

Known Issues & What to Watch For

No known issues documented for this model yet.

Own or have surveyed a Nimble 30? Submit a known issue

Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
 192
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 20.74
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 19.04
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 2
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 6.79
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. 855.76
How It Compares

vs. Hunter 30, S2 92 C, Tartan 3000

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Nimble 30 ★
29.9 ft
Hunter 30
29.9 ft
S2 92 C
29.9 ft
Tartan 3000
30.0 ft
LWL
Nimble 30 ★
25.7 ft
Hunter 30
25.6 ft
S2 92 C
25.0 ft
Tartan 3000
25.3 ft
Beam
Nimble 30 ★
9.3 ft
Hunter 30
10.8 ft
S2 92 C
10.3 ft
Tartan 3000
10.1 ft
Displacement
Nimble 30 ★
6 lbs
Hunter 30
9 lbs
S2 92 C
9 lbs
Tartan 3000
7 lbs
Ballast
Nimble 30 ★
2 lbs
Hunter 30
3 lbs
S2 92 C
4 lbs
Tartan 3000
3 lbs
Sail Area
Nimble 30 ★
450 sq ft
Hunter 30
417 sq ft
S2 92 C
468 sq ft
Tartan 3000
441 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Nimble 30 ★
192 s/nm
Hunter 30
189 s/nm
S2 92 C
—
Tartan 3000
162 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Nimble 30 ★
20.7
Hunter 30
14.5
S2 92 C
16.4
Tartan 3000
17.8
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Nimble 30 ★
19.0
Hunter 30
—
S2 92 C
25.8
Tartan 3000
21.2
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Nimble 30 ★
2.00
Hunter 30
—
S2 92 C
1.92
Tartan 3000
2.02
Hull Speed
Nimble 30 ★
6.8 kts
Hunter 30
—
S2 92 C
6.7 kts
Tartan 3000
6.7 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Nimble 30 ★
—
Hunter 30
—
S2 92 C
1.9
Tartan 3000
2.6
Find a Nimble 30 For Sale
Y YachtWorld Brokerage listings S Sailboat Listings Sailboats only C Craigslist National search F Facebook Marketplace Local listings B boats.com Global marketplace