Carlson 30 Information, Review, Specs

The Carlson 30's production run was relatively brief, spanning from 1966 to 1969, during which only ten units were built. Of these, six were exported to the United States, while four remained in Spain. The construction of the Carlson 30 highlights Gallart Shipyard's early commitment to quality wooden boats, before their later significant shift towards fiberglass mass production. The hull was crafted from 25mm (1 inch) strip-planked Mahogany sourced from Guinea, featuring a distinctive top-nailed half-moon interlocking plank system. The boat also boasted a keel-stepped mast made of Norwegian pine, emphasizing its traditional and robust build.

Designer Richard D. Carlson, an American maritime architect with a background that included training race horses and designing sailboats for ocean racing, brought a practical and performance-oriented perspective to his creations. His design principles, also evident in other boats like the Cutlass series, focused on creating capable and seaworthy vessels. It is noteworthy that fiberglass versions of the design were later built in Canada, known as the North Coast 30 and the Windward 30, though designer Dick Carlson explicitly stated he had no knowledge of these later boats or builders.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of just over 30 feet (30.25 ft) and a waterline length of 24.0 feet, the Carlson 30 presents as a medium-heavy displacement cruiser. Its displacement of 7,700 pounds, coupled with a reported sail area of 330 square feet, results in a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 13.3. This relatively low figure indicates that the Carlson 30 is not a light-air specialist, but rather a boat designed to be steady and powerful, particularly as the breeze builds.

The ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) stands at roughly 0.27 (2,095 lbs ballast in 7,700 lbs displacement). While this ratio might suggest a more comfortable, less "stiff" initial motion, the boat's solid wooden construction and hull form would contribute to its overall stability and ability to carry sail in varying conditions. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio, around 248.6, further classifies the Carlson 30 as a medium-heavy displacement vessel. This characteristic generally translates to a comfortable motion in a seaway, good load-carrying capacity, and a robust build suitable for offshore cruising. Equipped with a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, the Carlson 30 likely offers a balance of maneuverability and directional stability, with the rudder well-protected for cruising. Powered by an 18 HP Albin AD-2 diesel engine, the boat has a theoretical hull speed of 6.56 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts for the Carlson 30 are not widely documented, a 30-foot cruiser of its era and solid wood construction would typically feature a practical and durable interior. Owners could expect a traditional layout, likely including a V-berth forward, a compact head compartment, a salon with opposing settees that might convert to berths, and a galley area. Given its construction material, the interior would likely feature significant use of wood trim and joinery, contributing to a warm and classic aesthetic, characteristic of high-quality wooden yachts from Gallart Shipyard. Storage would typically be adequate for cruising, and ventilation would rely on traditional deck hatches and portlights.