Piana 30 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Piana 30 began in 1991, at a time when Naval Force 3 was establishing itself as a notable builder of multihulls from its base in La Rochelle, France. The shipyard was known for its dedication to composite construction, aiming for lightweight yet robust vessels. While specific details on Bertrand Desray's precise design philosophy for the Piana 30 are not extensively documented, Naval Force 3's broader ethos centered on creating original and practical multihulls that balanced performance with transportability, particularly evident in their folding-arm trimaran designs. The Piana 30, being a catamaran, aligned with their expansion into diverse multihull offerings. The model saw an updated version, known as the Piana 30.2, indicating refinements or improvements made during its production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a catamaran with a length overall of 29.5 feet, the Piana 30 is characterized by a wide beam of 16.33 feet, contributing to its inherent stability. Catamarans of this size often prioritize stability and interior volume over raw pointing ability or extreme light-air performance compared to equivalent monohulls. Its twin-keel configuration and shallow maximum draft of 2.33 feet allow access to shallower anchorages, a significant advantage for coastal cruising. While specific anecdotal handling characteristics for the Piana 30 are not widely detailed, catamarans are generally appreciated for their level sailing, speed off the wind, and comfortable motion in a seaway due to reduced heeling. The Piana 30 features a fractional sloop rig, with a reported sail area of 515 square feet.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the specific interior layout and accommodations of the Piana 30 is less common in public records. However, catamarans of this size typically feature a layout across two hulls, connected by a bridgedeck salon. This design generally allows for separate sleeping cabins in each hull, often including a V-berth or double berth forward, and potentially a quarter berth aft. The bridgedeck area usually houses a compact galley and a salon, providing a more spacious and open living area compared to a monohull of similar length. Due to its 16.33-foot beam, the Piana 30 would likely offer a relatively expansive interior for its length. Storage is usually abundant in catamaran hulls. Given the era of its construction by Naval Force 3, the interior finish would likely feature a combination of fiberglass liners with some wood trim. Ventilation would typically be managed through deck hatches and portlights in the hulls.

Owner's Perspectives

While extensive owner reviews specific to the Piana 30 are not readily available, owners of Naval Force 3 multihulls generally appreciate the builder's focus on composite construction, which provides a lightweight yet robust structure. Owners of compact cruising catamarans often praise the inherent stability, allowing for comfortable sailing without significant heel, and the expansive deck space. The shallow draft offered by the twin-keel design would be a commonly cited advantage for exploring shallower waters and accessing a wider range of anchorages. Common considerations for older multihulls can include the maintenance of composite structures and systems over time, though no specific recurring issues for the Piana 30 were identified in public forums.