Clipper Marine 30 Information, Review, Specs

Production of the Clipper Marine 30 commenced in 1974. The builder, Clipper Marine, operated for a relatively brief period, from 1971 until 1976, during which it focused exclusively on fiberglass sailboats designed by William Crealock. Crealock's philosophy for Clipper Marine centered on balancing performance with practicality, creating designs that were both ingenious and suited for easy trailering and launching. The Clipper Marine 30, a masthead sloop, exemplified this approach by offering a larger platform for cruising while adhering to the trailerable concept. The hull is constructed from solid fiberglass, and it features a fin keel with a transom-hung rudder. While Clipper Marine was well-known for swing keels on its smaller models, some of the larger designs, including the Clipper Marine 30, were available with a fixed keel option, in addition to a shoal draft version of 2.67 feet. This adaptability allowed buyers to choose between ultimate trailerability and potentially more traditional sailing characteristics. The design ethos also leaned towards a slim hull form, suggesting a focus on speed.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Clipper Marine 30's design ratios provide insight into its performance characteristics. With a calculated Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 18.78, the boat is indicative of a good performer, particularly in lighter wind conditions, where its ample sail plan relative to its displacement should allow it to move efficiently. However, its Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio stands at about 0.228, which suggests the boat is not exceptionally stiff and may exhibit a lower righting capability if heeled significantly. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio, calculated at around 100, categorizes the Clipper Marine 30 as a lighter, more performance-oriented vessel for its overall length, rather than a heavy, traditional cruiser. Qualitatively, the boat is often described as a "good performer" that can "skim along" the water. Its relatively slim hull further supports the impression of a design focused on achieving spirited sailing. The masthead sloop rig contributes to a simpler sail plan, which can be advantageous for ease of handling.

Accommodations and Layout

Due to the limited availability of detailed interior schematics or reviews from the period, specific descriptions of the Clipper Marine 30's accommodations are scarce. The boat features an 8-foot beam, a common width for trailerable vessels of its size to comply with road transport regulations. As a 30-foot sailboat, it would typically feature a layout designed to maximize usable living space within the constraints of its beam and the builder's focus on trailerability. This would likely include a V-berth forward, a main salon area with settees and a table, a compact galley, and a marine head, offering more substantial amenities and comfort than smaller trailer-sailers.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners considering a Clipper Marine 30 should be aware of potential issues commonly associated with fiberglass boats from its production era, which include the possibility of encountering blistering on the hull and areas of delamination or soft spots on the deck. While these are not exclusive to the Clipper Marine 30, they are factors to inspect when evaluating a used vessel of this vintage. Despite these potential concerns, the original Clipper Marine boats, designed by William Crealock, are often regarded for their sturdy fiberglass hulls.