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Sailboat Specifications

Olson 30

Masthead Sloop · Fin W/Spade Rudder

Designed by George Olsen · Built by Pacific Boats Inc. · First built 1978

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LOA 30.00 ft  ·  Beam 9.33 ft  ·  Displacement 3,600.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 380.00 ft²  ·  Masthead Sloop  ·  Fin W/Spade Rudder
About the Olson 30 Sailboat

Designed by George Olson and built by Pacific Boats in the early 1980s, the Olson 30 earned a strong reputation as a fast, lightweight racer that punched well above its class. Built with a emphasis on speed rather than comfort, this West Coast favorite became a staple of competitive offshore and coastal racing, particularly in the Pacific Northwest and California sailing communities. The Olson 30 is widely celebrated for its responsive handling and impressive performance in a variety of wind conditions. Its lightweight hull construction was ahead of its time, allowing the boat to plane and accelerate in ways that heavier contemporaries simply could not match. Sailors who have spent time aboard often describe the experience as thrilling, with a lively, connected feel that rewards skilled helmsmanship. While not designed with extended cruising amenities in mind, the Olson 30 remains a compelling choice for racing enthusiasts and performance-minded sailors who prioritize speed and agility over creature comforts. Active one-design fleets in several regions keep the class competitive and community-oriented, making it an appealing option for those seeking both exciting sailing and a passionate group of fellow owners.

Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 30.00 ft / 9.14 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 27.50 ft / 8.38 m
Beam 9.33 ft / 2.84 m
Max Draft 5.08 ft / 1.55 m
Displacement 3,600.00 lb / 1,633 kg
Ballast 1,800.00 lb / 816 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 380.00 ft² / 35.30 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG w/balsa core hull & deck
Designer George Olsen
Builder Pacific Boats Inc.
First Built 1978
Last Built 1984
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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Olson 30 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 25.95. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Olson 30's comfort ratio?

The Olson 30 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 10.06. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Olson 30 safe for offshore sailing?

The Olson 30 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.44. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Olson 30?

The theoretical hull speed of the Olson 30 is 7.03 knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Olson 30 weigh?

The Olson 30 has a displacement of 3,600.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 30.00 ft.

Who designed the Olson 30?

The Olson 30 was designed by George Olsen, first built in 1978.