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Thompson 30
Designer: Steve Thompson  ·  Builder: Stirling Boats  ·  First built: 1998
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About the Thompson 30

Designed by Steve Thompson and built by Stirling Boats beginning in 1998, this 30-footer represents a sophisticated approach to performance cruising with its advanced carbon/kevlar foam-core construction. The lifting keel configuration makes this sailboat particularly appealing for exploring shallow waters and accessing harbors that would challenge traditional deep-draft vessels, while the 8-foot maximum draft provides excellent upwind performance when the keel is deployed. The fractional sloop rig and relatively light 3,300-pound displacement suggest this boat was designed with performance in mind, though the substantial 1,980-pound ballast ratio ensures solid stability. With a comfort ratio of 7.84, the Thompson 30 falls into the light displacement category that favors speed over ultimate comfort in heavy seas, making it well-suited for coastal cruising, club racing, and spirited day sailing. The modern construction materials contribute to both reduced weight and increased strength, while the lifting keel system opens up cruising grounds typically reserved for shoal-draft designs. This combination of features creates a versatile platform that appeals to sailors seeking performance without sacrificing the ability to explore diverse coastal environments and anchor in protected shallow bays.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 30.67 ft / 9.35 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 29.17 ft / 8.89 m
Beam 10.17 ft / 3.10 m
Max Draft 8.00 ft / 2.44 m
Min Draft 2.00 ft / 0.61 m
Displacement 3,300.00 lb / 1,497 kg
Ballast 1,980.00 lb / 898 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Design & Construction
Hull Type Lifting Keel
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction carbon/kevlar with foam core
Designer Steve Thompson
Builder Stirling Boats
First Built 1998
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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
36
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
60
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
59.35
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
7.84
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
2.74
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. 7.24 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. 1,059.99 pounds/inch
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make OB in retractable pod
How It Compares

vs. F 31 Sport Cruiser, Harbor 30, Z 30

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Thompson 30 ★
30.7 ft
F 31 Sport Cruiser
30.8 ft
Harbor 30
30.8 ft
Z 30
30.7 ft
LWL
Thompson 30 ★
29.2 ft
F 31 Sport Cruiser
30.0 ft
Harbor 30
26.1 ft
Z 30
Beam
Thompson 30 ★
10.2 ft
F 31 Sport Cruiser
22.4 ft
Harbor 30
9.9 ft
Z 30
10.7 ft
Displacement
Thompson 30 ★
3 lbs
F 31 Sport Cruiser
3 lbs
Harbor 30
7 lbs
Z 30
5 lbs
Ballast
Thompson 30 ★
1 lbs
F 31 Sport Cruiser
Harbor 30
3 lbs
Z 30
3 lbs
Sail Area
Thompson 30 ★
F 31 Sport Cruiser
599 sq ft
Harbor 30
523 sq ft
Z 30
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Thompson 30 ★
36 s/nm
F 31 Sport Cruiser
Harbor 30
120 s/nm
Z 30
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Thompson 30 ★
F 31 Sport Cruiser
40.7
Harbor 30
21.9
Z 30
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Thompson 30 ★
60.0 %
F 31 Sport Cruiser
Harbor 30
Z 30
56.7 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Thompson 30 ★
7.8
F 31 Sport Cruiser
Harbor 30
19.8
Z 30
13.6
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Thompson 30 ★
2.74
F 31 Sport Cruiser
Harbor 30
2.03
Z 30
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Thompson 30 ★
59
F 31 Sport Cruiser
Harbor 30
Z 30
143
Hull Speed
Thompson 30 ★
7.2 kts
F 31 Sport Cruiser
Harbor 30
6.9 kts
Z 30
6.8 kts
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