Quest 30 (Martin) Information, Review, Specs

The Quest 30 began its production run in 1994, with a limited total of seven units built by Holby Marine. Holby Marine, founded in 1984 by W. Barrett Holby, Jr., quickly established itself as a builder of quality, semi-custom yachts, often incorporating innovative construction techniques and advanced materials like carbon fiber. While the Quest 30's hull and deck are fiberglass, Holby's general ethos of prioritizing performance while maintaining comfort is clearly reflected in this model. Rodger Martin's design philosophy consistently aimed for performance-oriented vessels, and the Quest 30 was explicitly created to illustrate this "new breed of sport boats," capable of delivering both speed and functional living spaces. Evidence of its design success includes "overall winner" titles in challenging races like the Bermuda One-Two and Figawi Race under the helm of its builder, Barrett Holby.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Martin Quest 30 is characterized by its exceptionally light displacement and high sail area, indicative of its performance-oriented design. With a displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 123.4, the Quest 30 falls into the category of a very light displacement boat, suggesting brisk acceleration and nimble handling in a variety of conditions. Its sail area-to-displacement ratio, calculated at around 24.5, points to excellent performance in light air, allowing the boat to move well even when winds are gentle.

The ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 0.295, combined with a bulb keel, suggests a design that likely relies on a combination of form stability and the specific characteristics of its lead and water ballast to achieve its stiffness. Despite a lower numerical ballast ratio, its fin-and-bulb keel and twin rudders are typically found on modern performance designs, promising precise control and efficient hydrodynamics. Owners and reviewers describe the Quest 30 as an "exciting breakaway cruiser/racer," known for its speed and responsive nature. The boat is designed to achieve a hull speed of 7.03 knots, underlining its capability for fast passages.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its performance focus, the Quest 30 was designed with "practical interior accommodations" and "full amenities for family cruising" in mind. While specific details about the interior layout require deeper investigation, it is known to feature generous headroom, reported to be around 6 feet, which is impressive for a performance boat of this size. The general approach would typically include a V-berth forward, a compact head, a salon area, and a galley, all finished with a balance of functionality and the quality craftsmanship for which Holby Marine was known. The design aimed to balance its racing prowess with comfort suitable for extended cruising, offering a livable interior that complements its spirited sailing characteristics.