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Quicksilver 30
Designer: Peter Norlin  ·  Builder: Standard Boat Works (Usa)  ·  First built: 1979
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About the Quicksilver 30

Designed by renowned Swedish naval architect Peter Norlin and built by Standard Boat Works beginning in 1979, this distinctive masthead yawl represents a thoughtful approach to coastal cruising and club racing. The fiberglass construction features a fin keel with rudder on skeg configuration, providing excellent directional stability while maintaining good windward performance. With a length overall of 29.75 feet and a waterline length of 22.75 feet, the hull offers a respectable theoretical hull speed of 6.39 knots. The moderate displacement of 7,000 pounds, combined with 2,640 pounds of ballast, creates a stable platform that inspires confidence in varying conditions. The comfort ratio of 20.96 suggests this boat strikes an appealing balance between performance and seaworthiness, making it well-suited for extended coastal passages and weekend cruising. The yawl rig configuration, somewhat uncommon in this size range, provides excellent sail handling options and the ability to balance the boat effectively under various wind conditions. With 462 square feet of sail area and a sail area-to-displacement ratio of 20.26, the boat offers spirited performance without being overpowered. The capsize screening formula of 2.04 indicates good stability characteristics for coastal and near-offshore sailing adventures.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 29.75 ft / 9.07 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 22.75 ft / 6.93 m
Beam 9.75 ft / 2.97 m
Max Draft 5.25 ft / 1.60 m
Min Draft 4.25 ft / 1.30 m
Displacement 7,000.00 lb / 3,175 kg
Ballast 2,640.00 lb / 1,197 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 462.00 ft² / 42.92 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Yawl
Construction FG
Designer Peter Norlin
Builder Standard Boat Works (USA)
First Built 1979
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Performance Ratios
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
 20.26
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
 37.71
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
 265.4
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
 20.96
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
 2.04
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. 6.39 kn
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. 792.56 pounds/inch
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Volvo
Engine Type Diesel
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