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Spencer 30
Designer: John Spencer  ·  Builder: Blue-Water Yachts (Aus)/Spencer Fg Yachts (Nz)  ·  First built: 1975
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About the Spencer 30

Designed by Canadian naval architect Bill Spencer, the Spencer 30 earned a loyal following along the Pacific Coast during the 1970s and into the 1980s as a capable and affordable fiberglass cruiser-racer. Spencer developed a reputation for producing practical, seaworthy designs that punched above their weight, and the 30 is a solid example of that philosophy in action. With its balanced hull form and responsive sailing characteristics, this boat appeals to sailors looking for a versatile package that handles coastal cruising comfortably while remaining competitive enough for club racing. Spencer 30s are frequently found in the Pacific Northwest and along the British Columbia coast, regions that demand genuine seakeeping ability and dependable performance in variable conditions. For buyers researching used market options, the Spencer 30 represents an attainable entry point into offshore-capable sailing. The design has proven durable over decades, and a healthy owner community means finding parts, advice, and shared knowledge is generally straightforward. Those willing to invest in a well-maintained example will find a rewarding boat that balances weekend sailing fun with the bones to handle more ambitious passages.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 30.08 ft / 9.17 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 24.00 ft / 7.32 m
Beam 10.08 ft / 3.07 m
Max Draft 4.92 ft / 1.50 m
Displacement 6,942.00 lb / 3,149 kg
Ballast 3,200.00 lb / 1,451 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer John Spencer
Builder Blue-Water Yachts (AUS)/Spencer FG Yachts (NZ)
First Built 1975
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Known Issues & What to Watch For

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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
46.1
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
224.18
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. 5.18 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 16.54
J (Foretriangle Base) 11.67 ft / 3.56 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 375.00 ft² / 34.84 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) 224.18
How It Compares

vs. Cal 3 30, Contest 30, Newport 30 2

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Spencer 30 ★
30.1 ft
Cal 3 30
30.1 ft
Contest 30
30.0 ft
Newport 30 2
30.0 ft
LWL
Spencer 30 ★
24.0 ft
Cal 3 30
26.3 ft
Contest 30
24.9 ft
Newport 30 2
26.5 ft
Beam
Spencer 30 ★
10.1 ft
Cal 3 30
10.2 ft
Contest 30
9.0 ft
Newport 30 2
10.7 ft
Displacement
Spencer 30 ★
6 lbs
Cal 3 30
10 lbs
Contest 30
8 lbs
Newport 30 2
8 lbs
Ballast
Spencer 30 ★
3 lbs
Cal 3 30
5 lbs
Contest 30
4 lbs
Newport 30 2
2 lbs
Sail Area
Spencer 30 ★
Cal 3 30
Contest 30
362 sq ft
Newport 30 2
414 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Spencer 30 ★
Cal 3 30
Contest 30
13.6
Newport 30 2
16.6
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Spencer 30 ★
46.1 %
Cal 3 30
47.6 %
Contest 30
45.4 %
Newport 30 2
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Spencer 30 ★
Cal 3 30
Contest 30
27.6
Newport 30 2
19.2
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Spencer 30 ★
Cal 3 30
Contest 30
1.75
Newport 30 2
2.14
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Spencer 30 ★
224
Cal 3 30
257
Contest 30
254
Newport 30 2
Hull Speed
Spencer 30 ★
Cal 3 30
Contest 30
6.7 kts
Newport 30 2
6.9 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Spencer 30 ★
Cal 3 30
Contest 30
1.8
Newport 30 2
2.8
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