Z 30 Performance

Hull Speed

The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.

6.8 kts

A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.

Performance Ratios

Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.

Ballast / Displacement

56.7%

Race-oriented ballast ratio — very stiff and powerful.

Displacement / Length

144

Ultralight — responsive and fast, but carries less stores.

Comfort Ratio

13.6

Quick, snappy motion — better for day sails and racing than long passages.

Hull Speed

6.8kts

Pounds/Inch Immersion

6lbs

Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.

Motion & Offshore Suitability

Two ratios that matter most when you're planning passages — how the boat feels in a seaway, and whether the hull geometry is suitable for open ocean.

Comfort Ratio

13.6

Quick, snappy motion — better for day sails and racing than long passages.

Under 20 — Snappy, racing motion

20–30 — Acceptable coastal

30–40 — Good offshore comfort

Over 40 — Very comfortable offshore

PHRF Fleet Position

Where the Z 30 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.

Racer 0–90

Cruiser/Racer 90–150

Cruiser 150–210

Harbor 30 120s/nm

Dehler 31 162s/nm

Catalina 309 167s/nm

How It Compares

Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Z 30.

	Z 30	Catalina 309	Dehler 31	Etap 32I	F 31 Sport Cruiser	Harbor 30
Dimensions
LOA	30.7	32.8	30.8	30.7	30.8	30.8
LWL	—	26.5	24.3	26.3	30.0	26.1
Beam	10.7	11.5	10.2	11.2	22.4	9.9
Displacement	5	9,800	7	9	3	7
Ballast	3	4,000	2	2	—	3
Sail Area	—	452	443	588	599	523
Performance
PHRF	—	167	162	—	—	120
SA/Disp	—	16.4	19.3	20.7	40.7	21.9
Bal/Disp	56.7	40.8	40.6	29.4	—	44.0
Comfort	13.6	20.5	18.9	21.9	—	19.8
Capsize	—	2.15	2.12	2.10	—	2.03
Hull Speed	6.8	6.9	6.6	6.9	—	6.9