Creekmore 30-1 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Creekmore 30-1 emerged from the design board of Raymond Creekmore, an individual recognized not only for his naval architecture but also as a prolific artist and author. Built by Creekmore Boats, the model's production run spanned from 1964 to 1968, positioning it within the early era of fiberglass sailboat construction. Its primary design brief was to be a competitive contender in the MORC racing circuit, a rule-set that fostered the development of smaller, capable offshore racers.

Constructed with a solid fiberglass hull and deck, the Creekmore 30-1 features a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, a configuration typical for performance boats of its era designed for good hydrodynamic efficiency and robust steering. While the specifically details the 30-1, historical records indicate that Raymond Creekmore explored variations within the 30-foot range, with mentions of a "Creekmore 30 Mk I" (likely synonymous with the 30-1) and a "Creekmore 30 Mk II" which notably featured a centerboard keel. This suggests an evolving design philosophy, though the 30-1 firmly adheres to its fixed fin keel configuration. It is also important to note that many Creekmore vessels were custom-built or owner-finished, which could lead to variations in final execution even among the few boats produced.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 30 feet and a waterline length of 23 feet, combined with a 10.5-foot beam and a 5.5-foot maximum draft, the Creekmore 30-1 presents as a stout and capable vessel. Its displacement of 9000 pounds and ballast of 3500 pounds contribute to a substantial feel on the water.

Analyzing its key performance ratios provides insight into its sailing characteristics:

• The Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/Disp) of approximately 14.17 suggests that the Creekmore 30-1 is not a light-air flyer but should perform adequately across a range of conditions, favoring moderate to fresh breezes.
• A Ballast to Displacement Ratio of around 38.8% indicates a good level of initial stability, allowing the boat to stand up to its canvas and provide a comfortable motion in a seaway.
• The Displacement to Length Ratio (Disp/LWL) of approximately 330.2 signifies a heavier displacement vessel. This aligns with the "traditional cruiser" designation often associated with boats exceeding a ratio of 300, suggesting a robust build and sea-kindly motion rather than extreme light-weight racing.

Despite its racer aspirations, a reported Comfort Ratio of 24.18 suggests the Creekmore 30-1 offers a more comfortable ride than over half of comparable sailboat designs. Its hull speed is calculated at 6.43 knots. Anecdotal evidence regarding Creekmore boats in the 30-foot range generally praises their solid construction and absence of "bad vibs or bad sailing habits". Some sources also suggest a "significantly more spacy hull design" for the Mk I, hinting at a practical use of volume for a boat of its size.

Accommodations and Layout

Detailed information regarding the interior layout and accommodations of the Creekmore 30-1 is scarce, likely due to the low production numbers and the tendency for many Creekmore boats to be custom-built or owner-finished. While precise headroom figures are not consistently available, the mention of a "spacy hull design" for the Creekmore 30 Mk I suggests an interior that made good use of its volume for the era. Owners of such semi-custom vessels often tailored the internal arrangements to their specific needs, meaning that the layout and finish quality could vary significantly from one boat to another. Typically, a 30-foot sailboat from this period would feature a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a table, a small galley, and an enclosed head.

Owner's Perspectives

Given that fewer than ten Creekmore 30-1s were ever built, specific owner reviews and common issues are not widely documented. However, the general consensus among owners of Creekmore sailboats, including those in the 30-foot and larger range, often highlights their substantial construction. The custom-built or owner-finished nature of many Creekmore vessels means that the quality of the interior finish and systems installation could vary based on the original owner's efforts and choices. General research on Creekmore boats has indicated a lack of "bad vibs or bad sailing habits," suggesting a fundamentally sound and well-behaved hull design.