Ballad 30 Albin

Swedish designer Rolf Magnusson created a compelling coastal cruiser when he penned the Ballad 30 for Albin Marine in the early 1970s. This 30-foot masthead sloop proved popular among European sailors, with 1,500 units built during its eleven-year production run from 1971 to 1982. The Ballad 30's moderate proportions reflect sensible Scandinavian design philosophy. Her fin keel with rudder on skeg configuration provides good directional stability while maintaining reasonable maneuverability in tight quarters. With nearly half her 7,275-pound displacement carried as ballast, she offers reassuring stability for coastal passages and weekend cruising. The boat's conservative sail area to displacement ratio of 20.2 suggests she's built more for comfort than speed, making her well-suited to family cruising rather than racing. Her comfort ratio of 21.91 indicates a motion that favors longer passages over quick day sails, while the capsize screening value of 2.01 places her at the threshold between coastal and offshore capability. Built with solid fiberglass construction typical of the era, the Ballard 30 represents reliable Scandinavian craftsmanship. Her modest 10-horsepower auxiliary provides adequate power for her size and displacement, making her an economical choice for sailors seeking a traditional cruising experience.

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.