Sun Light 30 (Jeanneau) Information, Review, Specs

The Sun Light 30 was first introduced in 1986. Its design, credited to Daniel Andrieu, aimed to create a boat that offered both comfortable cruising amenities and the sailing prowess derived from an IOR Half Ton racing heritage. This approach was characteristic of Jeanneau's broader design philosophy at the time, which prioritized elegant, modern lines and a balance between performance and comfort. During the period of the Sun Light 30's production, from 1986 to approximately 1989, Jeanneau was under the ownership of the United States-based Bangor Punta, a period that saw the shipyard continue its embrace of new technologies, including advanced fiberglass construction techniques, a practice it had adopted since 1958.

The Sun Light 30 notably featured a solid fiberglass hull and deck construction, reflecting Jeanneau's commitment to quality and durability. During its production run, variations included a shoal draft version, which offered a shallower draft of 4 feet 9 inches (1.4 meters), as well as a deeper fin keel version and a keel/centerboard option for increased versatility. The model was also later referenced as the Sun Light 30/31 after 1989 and shares similarities with other popular Jeanneau models like the Sun Odyssey 31 and Sun Fast 31.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Jeanneau Sun Light 30 exhibits sailing characteristics that reflect its IOR Half Ton design origins, offering a blend of speed and stability. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 19.46, the Sun Light 30 is well-powered, suggesting a boat that can perform capably in light winds and respond enthusiastically to a breeze. This ratio indicates a yacht with a relatively high sail area compared to its displacement, contributing to its lively performance.

Its ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) stands at around 38.78%, providing a solid foundation for stability. This percentage indicates a decent amount of ballast relative to the boat's overall weight, contributing to its ability to stand up to a moderate breeze and offering a comfortable motion in a seaway. The displacement to length ratio (D/L) of approximately 190 classifies the Sun Light 30 as a lighter-to-medium displacement boat for its length, which further supports its performance-oriented cruising capabilities. Owners have generally expressed satisfaction with its sailing characteristics. The boat is equipped with a spade rudder, contributing to responsive steering, and its fin keel design enhances upwind performance.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Jeanneau Sun Light 30 is thoughtfully arranged, providing a functional and comfortable living space within its thirty-foot length. It typically features a standard layout designed around a "three-area notion": a forward cabin, a saloon, and an aft cabin with a washroom/head. The interior units are particularly well-integrated into the hull forms, and the joinery is characterized by a significant use of teak throughout, contributing to a warm and classic marine aesthetic.

The forward cabin traditionally offers a V-berth, providing sleeping accommodations. The main saloon is typically equipped with settees that can serve as berths, often surrounding a central table. A well-equipped galley is usually positioned to one side, designed for practical use at sea. Aft, a private cabin and a dedicated head compartment are common features. While specific headroom figures are not consistently documented across all reviews, the design emphasizes creating a "liveable boat" with clever layouts and comfortable amenities, reflecting Jeanneau's design philosophy for cruising yachts. There were reportedly two interior "appointment versions," including an "Owner's" version with six berths and a galley facing arrangement.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Jeanneau Sun Light 30 generally appreciate its solid construction and satisfying sailing performance. Many describe themselves as "really pleased" with how the boat handles, particularly for coastal cruising. The boat's design, which blends racing attributes with cruising comforts, has found wide appeal among sailors looking for a versatile vessel.

While specific widespread common problems are not extensively documented, some owners have noted structural concerns in older models, such as a reported "crack on the cross stringer" under the cabin sole near the keel on some boats. As with many boats of its vintage, potential buyers should anticipate typical maintenance considerations associated with a vessel of its age, such as inspecting original fittings and systems for wear. Despite this, the Sun Light 30 continues to be valued by its owners for its overall sailing qualities and livable interior.