Olson 30 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Olson 30 entered production in 1978, with approximately 250 units built by Pacific Boat Works in Live Oak, California, before production ceased in 1984. George Olson, co-founder of Pacific Boat Works alongside Lyn Neale, brought a unique and innovative approach to naval architecture, stemming from his experience in shaping surfboards. His fundamental goal was to create exceptionally fast and responsive sailboats, a vision that solidified the ULDB movement synonymous with the Santa Cruz area. The Olson 30, as the company's inaugural model, perfectly embodied this philosophy, utilizing lightweight fiberglass balsa core for both hull and deck construction. While the core design remained consistent, a significantly modified version, the Olson 29, was introduced in 1984. The Olson 30's design, featuring a deep fin keel and a spade rudder, was geared towards pushing the boundaries of what a production sailboat could achieve in terms of speed and excitement.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Olson 30's design specifications translate directly into its remarkable on-water performance. With a high sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 25.96, the boat is exceptionally powerful in light air, enabling it to accelerate quickly and plane readily. This characteristic allows the Olson 30 to make up significant ground downwind, often offsetting any performance losses experienced upwind. Her ballast to displacement ratio of 0.50, combined with a lead fin keel, contributes to excellent stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a breeze effectively. Furthermore, an extremely low displacement to length ratio of around 77.29 unequivocally marks the Olson 30 as a pure ULDB, emphasizing its lightweight, performance-oriented nature.

Anecdotal accounts consistently describe the Olson 30 as a "mind-blowing" performer, known for being responsive and exhilarating to sail. While it can be a "physical" boat to manage, particularly in heavy air, owners often praise the fun derived from racing it in such conditions. Despite its performance focus, the Olson 30 is generally considered a good sea boat. Owners have noted occasional "lee helm problems" in certain conditions. Its single-handed sailing capabilities are also appreciated by some owners. The boat typically sails to a PHRF rating of 96.

Accommodations and Layout

Consistent with the ULDB philosophy, the interior accommodations of the Olson 30 are designed with an emphasis on minimizing weight rather than maximizing luxurious comfort. As typical for ULDBs, the interior is relatively "short" compared to boats of similar length with heavier displacements. While detailed layouts can vary, the Olson 30 generally features a simple, functional arrangement suitable for weekend cruising or keeping light for racing purposes. The cockpit, measuring approximately 6.5 feet long with wide seats, offers a practical space topside. Interior amenities are basic, typically including a V-berth forward, a simple head, and a modest salon area. Storage is functional, and the overall finish tends to be utilitarian, focusing on durability and ease of maintenance rather than elaborate wood trim, aligning with its high-performance design goals.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Olson 30 consistently praise its enduring performance and engaging sailing experience, often noting that the boat can still compete effectively against much newer and more expensive designs, even decades after its production. Its solid construction and ability to provide a spirited ride are frequently highlighted as key strengths, appealing to those who value exhilarating sailing.

However, common issues noted by owners include potential leaks from original deck fittings, often requiring re-bedding for a leakproof solution. Some boats may exhibit a "keel stub glass problem." Additionally, the original epoxy bottoms on many units may require attention for boats that are not dry-sailed. Despite these potential maintenance items, the dedicated community of Olson 30 owners actively races and cruises these boats, preserving the legacy of this iconic ULDB.