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Watkins 30
Designer: Walter Scott/Watkins  ·  Builder: Watkins Yachts Inc. (Usa)  ·  First built: 1987
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About the Watkins 30

With limited documentation available, the Watkins 30 represents one of the more elusive designs in the 30-foot sailing yacht category. This relative obscurity often indicates either a small production run or a regional builder with limited distribution, making any surviving examples potentially rare finds for sailors seeking something distinctive. Based on its 30-foot length, this sailboat would typically fall into the coastal cruising and weekend sailing category, offering a practical size for both experienced sailors and those looking to step up from smaller boats. Vessels of this length generally provide a good balance between manageability and interior space, making them suitable for extended day sails and short-term cruising adventures. The scarcity of detailed specifications shouldn't necessarily deter interested buyers, as many lesser-known designs from established builders can offer solid construction and seaworthy characteristics. However, prospective owners should conduct thorough research into the builder's reputation and seek professional surveys to assess construction quality, rigging condition, and overall maintenance needs. For sailors drawn to unique or uncommon designs, a well-maintained Watkins 30 could provide an interesting alternative to more common production boats in this size range.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 28.92 ft / 8.81 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 24.00 ft / 7.32 m
Beam 10.33 ft / 3.15 m
Max Draft 4.00 ft / 1.22 m
Displacement 8,800.00 lb / 3,992 kg
Ballast 3,900.00 lb / 1,769 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Walter Scott/Watkins
Builder Watkins Yachts Inc. (USA)
First Built 1987
Last Built 1989
Number Built 30
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
44.32
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
284.18
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. 5.31 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 13.93
J (Foretriangle Base) 11.80 ft / 3.60 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 370.00 ft² / 34.37 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) Yanmar
Engine & Accommodations
Fuel Capacity 20 gals / 76 L
Water Capacity 40 gals / 151 L
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