Choate 30 Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Choate 30 aligns with Dencho Marine's singular focus on high-quality, limited-production racing sailboats. Founded by Dennis Choate in 1973, Dencho Marine quickly gained prominence for constructing performance-oriented yachts tailored for competitive sailing. The Choate 30, launched in 1981, was one such example of this ethos, built with robust fiberglass solid hull and deck materials designed to withstand the rigors of racing.

Carl Schumacher, the designer, was known for creating over 50 production and custom sailboat designs, significantly influencing sailboat design and racing. His philosophy leaned towards performance, eager to test his own design concepts, which often translated into fast and efficient hulls. While specific design goals for the Choate 30 are not explicitly detailed in available records, Schumacher's general approach suggests an emphasis on optimizing for speed and agility on the racecourse. The primary variation of this model is its alternative designation as the "Schumacher 30."

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Choate 30's design ratios underscore its performance-oriented character. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 21.76, she is indicative of a boat that performs well in light air, capable of generating good speed even in minimal breeze. Her ballast to displacement ratio of around 0.476 suggests a stiff and stable platform, allowing her to stand up to a greater amount of wind and carry her sail plan effectively without excessive heeling. Furthermore, a displacement to length ratio of roughly 191.24 places the Choate 30 in the lighter, more performance-focused category, suggesting a boat that is quick to accelerate and agile.

Anecdotal information on the Choate 30's handling suggests it is a responsive and engaging boat to sail, typical of Carl Schumacher's designs. However, it's important to note its capsize screening value of 2.17, which indicates that the Choate 30 would not generally be accepted for participation in ocean races, suggesting its design is more suited for coastal and inland racing environments.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its primary focus as a performance racer with a length overall of just under 30 feet, the Choate 30's interior accommodations are functional and geared towards efficiency rather than extensive cruising comfort. While specific headroom details are not widely documented, it is common for vessels of this type and era to feature a straightforward layout. Typically, this would include a V-berth forward for sleeping, a compact marine head, a modest salon area with settees that may serve as additional berths, and a small galley suitable for basic meal preparation. Storage would likely be optimized for racing gear and essential provisions, with a focus on keeping weight centralized and low. The overall finish would reflect Dencho Marine's reputation for quality construction, likely featuring robust fiberglass components, but with an emphasis on durability and lightness over luxurious appointments, in line with its racing pedigree.

Owner's Perspectives

Due to the extremely limited production run of the Choate 30 (only about five units were built), comprehensive owner reviews or discussions about common problems are scarce. Owners of such rare, performance-oriented vessels typically comprise a dedicated group of sailing enthusiasts who value the boat's unique characteristics and racing capabilities. While specific collective viewpoints are not readily available, the enduring legacy of Dencho Marine suggests that owners likely appreciate the boat's solid construction and its competitive heritage.