Claymore 30 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Claymore 30's production run, spanning from 1968 to 1980, coincided with a significant period in British yacht building where fiberglass construction was gaining prominence. Marine Construction Ltd., under the vision of its founder Eric White, was a pioneer in this field, establishing a reputation for building solidly constructed, traditionally styled small yachts from its Woolston, Southampton facility. Marcon's ethos during this era centered on producing reliable cruising boats celebrated for their seaworthiness and practicality, a philosophy clearly embodied in the Claymore 30.

Designed by Alan F. Hill, a naval architect also responsible for Marcon's popular Trident 24, the Claymore 30 benefited from a design approach focused on stability and comfort for offshore passages. The vessel was offered in both sloop and ketch configurations, providing owners with flexibility in rigging choices. The option of a ketch rig, and descriptions of some examples as "motorsailers," suggest a design intended for versatile use, balancing sail performance with comfortable passage making under power when needed.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Claymore 30's design specifications paint a clear picture of a heavy, stable cruiser built for comfort rather than outright speed. With a displacement of 12,600 lbs and a waterline length of 24.0 feet, her displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 407 is very high, indicating a substantial, heavy-displacement hull. This heavy build contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway, making her well-suited for extended cruising.

Her sail area-to-displacement ratio of about 13.6 is on the lower side, suggesting that the Claymore 30 is not designed for blistering performance in light airs and will likely require a decent breeze to truly come alive. However, this is balanced by a ballast-to-displacement ratio of nearly 0.40, which signifies a high degree of initial stiffness and stability. This robust ballast ratio means the Claymore 30 is capable of standing up to more wind, providing a secure and predictable sailing experience even in challenging conditions. Owners have widely praised her comfort, with one analysis suggesting she is "more comfortable than 96% of all similar sailboat designs."

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed interior specifications for the Claymore 30 are not extensively documented, general descriptions and owner accounts indicate a focus on practical and comfortable living spaces below deck. The boat offers around 6 feet of maximum standing headroom, a commendable feature for a 30-foot vessel of its era, contributing to a more open and livable interior.

Some configurations feature an internal layout described as "3 cabins," which would typically include a forward V-berth, a main salon with settees convertible to berths, and potentially a quarter berth or an aft cabin. The inclusion of an aft cabin on some models further emphasizes the design's intent to provide private and spacious accommodations, a characteristic often associated with more dedicated cruising yachts. The overall finish would likely reflect Marcon's traditional approach, emphasizing durability and functionality over cutting-edge aesthetics, utilizing materials common in fiberglass boats of the period.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Claymore 30 frequently express strong satisfaction with their vessels, often referring to them as "fabulous boats." The solid construction and robust build quality are consistently highlighted as major strengths, instilling confidence in her offshore capabilities. Many appreciate the spaciousness the design offers, particularly in a boat of her size. Her reputation as a "sturdy motorsailer" for some versions underscores her reliability and suitability for a variety of cruising styles. While specific recurring weaknesses are not commonly cited in broad owner discussions, the opportunity for owners to share experiences and maintenance insights within dedicated forums points to a supportive community valuing these enduring cruisers.