Metalmast 30 Information, Review, Specs

The Metalmast 30 began production in 1979, emerging from the shipyard of Metalmast Marine in Putnam, Connecticut. While Metalmast Marine's core expertise lay in manufacturing robust aluminum masts and rigging components for a vast array of yachts, including those from industry giants like Pearson and Tartan, their venture into building full sailboats was a limited expansion of their capabilities. The design of the Metalmast 30 was entrusted to Peter Canning, with the intent to create a vessel that could perform competitively in races while retaining liveability for cruising. The design incorporated a fin keel and spade rudder, indicative of its performance aspirations. Some observers note that Canning opted for a "spacy hull design," likely influencing its interior volume for a boat of its length. There is no widely documented evidence of significant variations, such as MkI or MkII versions, during its production run, though its initial branding as the Canning 30 before becoming the Metalmast 30 is a point of historical note.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Metalmast 30 is characterized by its balanced design, offering a blend of performance and stability. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 21.33, she is well-equipped to perform efficiently in lighter winds, suggesting a relatively nimble and responsive character. Her ballast to displacement ratio of approximately 0.476 indicates a very stiff and stable hull, capable of standing up to significant wind pressures and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. This high ballast ratio contributes to her stability and righting capabilities. The displacement-length ratio of around 216.86 places her in the moderate displacement category, aligning with her intended purpose as a racer/cruiser that balances speed with seakindliness. Reviewers and specifications indicate the Metalmast 30 is best suited as a racing boat, with handling characteristics that are often compared favorably to other performance boats of its size, such as the J/30. Her fin keel and spade rudder contribute to her maneuverability and upwind performance.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts for the Metalmast 30 are not extensively documented in widely available resources, its designation as a racer/cruiser and comments about a "spacy hull design" suggest an emphasis on practical living space alongside its performance attributes. As a 30-foot monohull of its era, typical accommodations would likely include a forward V-berth, a main salon with settees that convert into berths, a galley area, and a marine head. Storage solutions would be integrated throughout, though perhaps more optimized for racing gear than extensive cruising provisions. Given Metalmast Marine's reputation for robust construction, the interior finish would likely have focused on durability and functionality.

Owner's Perspectives

Consolidated owner reviews and common problem discussions for the Metalmast 30 are not widely published. However, some individual discussions among owners and enthusiasts suggest interest in the boat's potential as a comfortable cruiser or even a liveaboard vessel, highlighting its robust build and sailing performance. While not a boat with extensive owner forums or problem logs, the feedback available points to its solid construction and potentially versatile nature for those seeking a capable and stable sailboat.