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Sailboat Specifications

Carter 30

Masthead Sloop · Fin With Rudder On Skeg

Designed by Dick Carter · Built by Carter Offshore/Northshore Yachts (Uk) · First built 1972

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LOA 29.75 ft  ·  Beam 10.08 ft  ·  Displacement 7,300.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 384.00 ft²  ·  Masthead Sloop  ·  Fin With Rudder On Skeg
About the Carter 30 Sailboat

Designed by renowned naval architect Dick Carter and built from 1972 to 1990, this 30-footer represents classic British offshore design philosophy from the 1970s era. Carter Offshore and later Northshore Yachts produced approximately 300 hulls, making this a relatively common sight in European waters and beyond. The Carter 30's fin keel and rudder-on-skeg configuration, combined with a moderate displacement of 7,300 pounds and respectable sail area, creates a boat capable of both coastal cruising and offshore passages. The hull's proportions suggest good performance characteristics, with enough ballast to provide stability in challenging conditions. At nearly 30 feet overall with a 23-foot waterline, she offers reasonable interior volume while maintaining the sleek lines typical of Carter's racing-influenced designs. Dick Carter's reputation for creating fast, seaworthy boats is evident in this design's balanced specifications. The moderate beam and deep draft indicate this boat will track well and handle weather helm effectively. While built during the height of the IOR racing era, the Carter 30 has proven equally suited to serious cruising applications, particularly for couples or small crews seeking a capable offshore platform with manageable size and classic sailing characteristics.

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Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 29.75 ft / 9.07 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 23.00 ft / 7.01 m
Beam 10.08 ft / 3.07 m
Max Draft 5.50 ft / 1.68 m
Displacement 7,300.00 lb / 3,311 kg
Ballast 2,976.00 lb / 1,350 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 384.00 ft² / 35.67 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Dick Carter
Builder Carter Offshore/Northshore Yachts (UK)
First Built 1972
Last Built 1990
Number Built 300
Associations Yacht Brochures (Original Scanned Manufacturers's brochures)
Owner Reviews

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Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Yanmar
Engine Model YS 12
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 12
Fuel Capacity 15 gals / 57 L
Water Capacity 30 gals / 114 L
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Carter 30's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Carter 30 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 16.38. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Carter 30's comfort ratio?

The Carter 30 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 20.77. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Carter 30 safe for offshore sailing?

The Carter 30 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.08. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Carter 30?

The theoretical hull speed of the Carter 30 is 6.43 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Carter 30 weigh?

The Carter 30 has a displacement of 7,300.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 29.75 ft.

Who designed the Carter 30?

The Carter 30 was designed by Dick Carter, first built in 1972.