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Yamaha 30 1
Designer: Yamaha Design Group  ·  Builder: Yamaha  ·  First built: 1978
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About the Yamaha 30 1

Launched in 1978, this nearly 30-footer represents Yamaha's venture into sailboat manufacturing during the late 1970s boom in recreational sailing. The Yamaha Design Group created a solid coastal cruiser that balances moderate performance with practical accommodations for weekend getaways and extended coastal passages. With a displacement of 7,599 pounds and fin keel configuration, the boat offers respectable stability for its size class. The masthead sloop rig carries 392 square feet of sail area, providing adequate power for most conditions while remaining manageable for small crews. The SA/Displacement ratio of 16.28 suggests moderate performance characteristics—fast enough to be enjoyable but not so overpowered as to be intimidating for newer sailors. The comfort ratio of 20.03 indicates a motion that favors speed over ultra-smooth sailing, making this boat well-suited for day sailing and coastal cruising rather than extended offshore passages. The capsize screening formula of 2.16 falls within acceptable ranges for coastal waters with proper seamanship. Yamaha's fiberglass construction quality was generally well-regarded during this era, and the company's manufacturing expertise translated reasonably well from motorcycles to marine applications. Today, these boats represent solid value for sailors seeking an affordable entry into cruising-sized sailboats.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 29.42 ft / 8.97 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 23.58 ft / 7.19 m
Beam 10.58 ft / 3.22 m
Max Draft 5.75 ft / 1.75 m
Displacement 7,599.00 lb / 3,447 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 392.00 ft² / 36.42 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Yamaha Design Group
Builder Yamaha
First Built 1978
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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
16.28
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
258.75
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
20.03
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
2.16
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. 6.51 kn
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
2.02
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. 891.41 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 16.21
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 37.73 ft / 11.50 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 12.13 ft / 3.70 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 32.81 ft / 10.00 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 9.84 ft / 3.00 m
SA Fore 228.83 ft² / 21.26 m²
SA Main 161.43 ft² / 15.00 m²
SA Total (100%) 390.26 ft² / 36.26 m²
Est. Forestay Length 39.63 ft / 12.08 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Yanmar
Engine Model YSM12
Engine Type Diesel
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