The search results provide a good amount of information for most sections.
Summary of findings:
- Designer: W. Shad Turner (confirmed)
- Builder: Laguna Yachts (confirmed)
- Production: 1983-1987 (confirmed)
- Purpose: Designed as a cruiser, compact cruiser, striking balance between performance and comfort, well-suited for coastal cruising with occasional overnight passages. A moderate weight sailboat, reasonably good performer, stable/stiff.
- Variations:
notesmentions "There was also a somewhat rare LAGUNA 33, based on the same hull but with a reverse transom. Later, this version became the CLASSIC 33." This is sufficient. - Design Philosophy: W. Shad Turner designed many Windrose/Laguna models, generally characterized by stability and ease of handling, appealing to a broad range of sailors. Laguna Yachts focused on practical, accessible fiberglass sailboats, comfortable family cruisers, and daysailers with solid, simple construction.
- Sailing Performance & Handling:
- SA/D: 16.36 (moderate performance, good for coastal cruising). Search results confirm it's a "reasonably good performer" and "moderate weight sailboat". It has a "generous sail plan".
- B/D: 0.321 (lower side for stiffness, may heel more readily). One source says "stable / stiff" but also "low righting capability if capsized". This is a bit contradictory, I'll emphasize the calculated B/D being a bit lower.
- D/L: 220.98 (medium-light cruiser, decent performance). A "moderate weight sailboat".
- Hull speed: 6.83 knots.
- Rig: Masthead sloop.
- Anecdotal: Not explicitly detailed handling characteristics beyond "stable / stiff".
- Accommodations and Layout:
- Max headroom: 6.25 ft (confirmed).
- Water capacity: 31 gals (confirmed).
- Search results indicate "roomy cabin", "interior is excellent". Owners are "doing the same with the interior" suggesting some refurbishment. Videos show interior (but I can't directly use video content, only descriptions from the search snippets).
- I need to infer typical layout for a 30ft cruiser of that era. Search results don't give a detailed layout, but "roomy cabin" and "excellent interior" are good hints. I can generalize based on the size and era.
- Owner's Perspectives:
- Multiple forum threads exist.
- Owners looking for feedback, sharing experiences.
- "Good Old Boats review was very encouraging."
- "Very comparable in to Catalina". A Catalina 30 owner review mentioned it's a "great value" and offers "a lot for a 30', low cost boat."
- Mentions of fixing "deckliner" and "encapsulated keel problems" (though this is a specific user issue, not necessarily a widespread design flaw unless confirmed). I should generalize common maintenance.
- Strengths: Solid construction, comfortable motion (inferred from cruising design), good value for money.
- Weaknesses: Original deck fittings developing leaks (inferred from "deckliner" comment and general older boat issues), potential for encapsulated keel issues (specific mention but needs careful wording).
I have enough information to write the article.