Designed by Chuck Burns and built by Wilderness Boat Works starting in 1979, this 30-footer represents a thoughtful approach to coastal cruising and club racing. The fin keel and spade rudder configuration delivers responsive handling characteristics that sailors appreciate in both competitive and recreational sailing scenarios. With a displacement of 5,500 pounds and a sail area of 472 square feet, the Wilderness 30 strikes a balanced chord between performance and comfort. The SA/Displacement ratio of 24.31 indicates spirited sailing ability without sacrificing stability, while the hull speed of 7.06 knots provides respectable passage-making capability for weekend cruising or longer coastal voyages. The boat's comfort ratio of 16.5 suggests a design optimized more for sailing performance than heavy cruising accommodations, making it ideal for sailors who prioritize boat handling over interior volume. Meanwhile, the capsize screening formula of 2 demonstrates good stability characteristics suitable for coastal waters and protected offshore sailing. Built in fiberglass with a masthead sloop rig, the Wilderness 30 offers the durability and simplicity that practical sailors value. The 27.75-foot waterline length provides efficient hull form, while the 8.80-foot beam delivers adequate interior space without compromising the boat's sailing qualities. This combination makes it well-suited for couples or small families seeking an engaging sailing experience.
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What is the Wilderness 30's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Wilderness 30 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 24.31. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Wilderness 30's comfort ratio?
The Wilderness 30 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 16.5. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Wilderness 30 safe for offshore sailing?
The Wilderness 30 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Wilderness 30?
The theoretical hull speed of the Wilderness 30 is 7.06 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Wilderness 30 weigh?
The Wilderness 30 has a displacement of 5,500.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 30.00 ft.
How much does a used Wilderness 30 cost?
Based on 2 recent market listings, used Wilderness 30 sailboats typically sell for between $5,000 and $5,000, with a median asking price of $5,000. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the Wilderness 30?
The Wilderness 30 was designed by Chuck Burns, first built in 1979.