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Wilderness 30Sx
Designer: Chuck Burns  ·  Builder: Wilderness Boat Works  ·  First built: 1979
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About the Wilderness 30Sx

A capable and straightforward cruising sailboat, the Wilderness 30Sx represents the kind of no-nonsense design philosophy that appeals to sailors looking for a reliable bluewater companion without unnecessary complexity. Built for those who prioritize seakeeping ability and practical offshore performance, this vessel carries the hallmarks of a boat designed to handle real conditions rather than simply look impressive at the dock. While detailed specifications for the 30Sx are limited, the Wilderness line has generally been associated with sturdy construction and a focus on cruising utility, making it a practical choice for coastal passages and extended offshore sailing alike. Sailors researching this model often find it well-regarded among those who value durability and manageable handling over cutting-edge racing performance. For buyers considering the 30Sx, it is worth seeking out owner communities and first-hand accounts, as much of the most valuable insight into this boat lives within the experience of those who have sailed her extensively. A pre-purchase survey is strongly recommended to assess the condition of any example you encounter.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 29.75 ft / 9.07 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 27.75 ft / 8.46 m
Beam 8.75 ft / 2.67 m
Max Draft 5.50 ft / 1.68 m
Displacement 4,200.00 lb / 1,905 kg
Ballast 1,900.00 lb / 862 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 450.00 ft² / 41.81 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG w/Klege-cell core
Designer Chuck Burns
Builder Wilderness Boat Works
First Built 1979
Related Sailboats ["J30" · "Olson 29" · "S2 91" · "Kirby 30" · "Hotfoot 30"]
Owner Reviews

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Known Issues & What to Watch For

No known issues documented for this model yet.

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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
 27.74
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
 12.73
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
 2.17
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. 7.06
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 5.72
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. 867.6
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 34.08
J (Foretriangle Base) 11.75
P (Mainsail Luff) 34.33
E (Mainsail Foot) 11.5
SA Fore 200.22
SA Main 197.4
How It Compares

vs. Kirby 30, Olson 29, S2 91

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Wilderness 30Sx ★
29.8 ft
Kirby 30
29.7 ft
Olson 29
29.7 ft
S2 91
29.8 ft
LWL
Wilderness 30Sx ★
27.8 ft
Kirby 30
23.5 ft
Olson 29
27.5 ft
S2 91
25.0 ft
Beam
Wilderness 30Sx ★
8.8 ft
Kirby 30
10.3 ft
Olson 29
9.3 ft
S2 91
10.5 ft
Displacement
Wilderness 30Sx ★
4 lbs
Kirby 30
5 lbs
Olson 29
3 lbs
S2 91
7 lbs
Ballast
Wilderness 30Sx ★
1 lbs
Kirby 30
2 lbs
Olson 29
1 lbs
S2 91
3 lbs
Sail Area
Wilderness 30Sx ★
450 sq ft
Kirby 30
434 sq ft
Olson 29
365 sq ft
S2 91
490 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Wilderness 30Sx ★
—
Kirby 30
135 s/nm
Olson 29
99 s/nm
S2 91
—
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Wilderness 30Sx ★
27.7
Kirby 30
22.8
Olson 29
24.9
S2 91
19.9
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Wilderness 30Sx ★
12.7
Kirby 30
14.7
Olson 29
10.1
S2 91
20.0
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Wilderness 30Sx ★
2.17
Kirby 30
2.35
Olson 29
2.44
S2 91
2.12
Hull Speed
Wilderness 30Sx ★
7.1 kts
Kirby 30
6.5 kts
Olson 29
7.0 kts
S2 91
6.7 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Wilderness 30Sx ★
5.7
Kirby 30
3.6
Olson 29
6.2
S2 91
2.7
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