The Coronado 30, a popular cruising sailboat from the late 1960s and early 1970s, exemplifies Coronado Yachts' mission to make sailing accessible to a broader audience. Designed by Robert Finch, this masthead sloop was built by Coronado Yachts during a period of significant expansion and evolution for the brand, offering a blend of comfortable accommodations and respectable performance for coastal and offshore cruising.
Coronado Yachts, a builder with roots in Wesco Marine and later acquired by the Whittaker Corporation (which also owned Columbia Yachts), produced the Coronado 30 from 1969 to 1974. This model emerged as part of Coronado's refreshed lineup in the early 1970s, positioned as an "alternative brand" to Columbia, with an emphasis on practical and accessible cruising designs. The builder's ethos during this era, influenced by figures like Catalina Yachts founder Frank Butler in its earlier stages, focused on delivering stable and functional fiberglass vessels. The Coronado 30 features a fin keel and spade rudder, a common configuration for cruisers of its time, providing a balance of tracking ability and maneuverability. A shoal draft version was also available, offering increased flexibility for exploring shallower waters.
The Coronado 30's design ratios paint a picture of a capable, comfortable cruiser rather than an out-and-out racer. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of 15.72, the boat exhibits moderate performance, suggesting it is well-suited for a range of wind conditions without being particularly sensitive to light air. Its Ballast to Displacement ratio of 31.76% indicates a good level of initial stability, allowing it to stand up to a reasonable breeze, while a Displacement to Length ratio of 274.50 categorizes it as a moderately heavy cruiser. These figures, combined with a comfortable Capsize Screening Formula of 1.97, suggest a vessel designed for a steady motion and safety in a seaway. Owners have noted that the Coronado 30 offers a substantial upgrade in handling and feel compared to smaller Coronado models, reinforcing its reputation as a solid cruising platform.
While detailed interior specifications like maximum headroom are not universally available, the Coronado 30 was designed to provide comfortable living spaces typical of cruising boats of its size and era. Interior arrangement plans from 1970 confirm a thoughtful layout. Expect a traditional arrangement, likely featuring a V-berth forward, an enclosed head, a salon with opposing settees and a central table, a functional galley, and potentially a quarter berth or navigation station aft. Construction materials typically involved practical fiberglass components complemented by wood trim, aiming for durability and ease of maintenance. Storage would be adequate for extended cruising, and ventilation would rely on hatches and portlights.
The Coronado 30 continues to maintain a devoted owner base, a testament to its enduring appeal. Owners frequently praise its solid construction and seaworthy characteristics, often highlighting its value as a classic fiberglass cruiser. Online forums and communities dedicated to Coronado yachts indicate an active owner network that supports the maintenance and enjoyment of these vessels. While specific recurring problems are not widely cited in general reviews, the community aspect provides a valuable resource for addressing any issues that may arise with older boats. Overall, the Coronado 30 is regarded as a dependable and comfortable sailboat, well-suited for those seeking a capable cruiser that offers good value in the used boat market.