Fraser 30 MS Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Fraser 30 MS is rooted in the vision of Len De Kleer, who, alongside his brother Arie, founded Dekleer Brothers Industries Ltd. in 1966. Len De Kleer designed the Fraser 30 as their inaugural fiberglass vessel, launching it in 1970. The company quickly earned a reputation for building resilient fiberglass sailboats, prioritizing strength and reliability. Their business model often involved selling boats as kits, which provided flexibility for purchasers and contributed to the widespread appeal of their designs. This approach ensured that the core construction—a robust fiberglass hull and deck—met their high standards, while allowing for custom finishes. The Fraser 30 MS was particularly noted for its long keel hull type, a design choice that contributes significantly to its directional stability and comfortable motion in a seaway.

Sailing Performance and Handling

While specific sail area and ballast weight figures for the Fraser 30 MS are not consistently available, a qualitative assessment of its design and known characteristics provides insight into its performance. Classified as a staysail ketch, its sail plan is configured for ease of handling and versatility, particularly beneficial for a motor sailor. With a displacement of 11,000 pounds and a waterline length of 26.67 feet, the Fraser 30 MS has a high displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 580. This indicates a very heavy displacement vessel for its size, consistent with its design as a sturdy, offshore-capable cruiser rather than a light, performance-oriented racer.

Online resources describe the Fraser 30 MS as a "moderate weight sailboat which is under powered" but also "reasonably stable / stiff and has a good righting capability if capsized." The long keel further enhances its stability and tracking, making it a comfortable boat in various sea states, albeit at a more sedate pace. The emphasis on heavy-duty construction and a full keel design underscores its intended use as a dependable vessel for serious cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Fraser 30 MS is designed with practicality and comfort in mind for a cruising couple or small family, featuring a forward cabin, an enclosed head, a salon, and a galley. Its pilot house configuration typically offers a protected interior steering station, a significant advantage in inclement weather, allowing for comfortable motoring and observation. The general layout is functional, prioritizing space for living and storage suitable for extended voyages. Water capacity is 25 US gallons (95 liters), and fuel capacity is 24 US gallons, supporting its cruising aspirations. The solid fiberglass hull and deck construction suggest a robust and durable interior shell, often finished to the owner's or a finishing yard's specifications, leading to variations in aesthetic and material use across the fleet.