Harbor 30 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Harbor 30 in 2009 marked a new chapter in W.D. Schock's illustrious history, with design work spearheaded by Steve Schock. The design brief for the Harbor 30 sought to blend spirited sailing characteristics with a fully functional interior, catering to those who desired both performance on the water and comfort at anchor. As a builder, W.D. Schock, a pioneer in fiberglass production, consistently adhered to a manufacturing ethos centered on quality fiberglass construction, practical design, and robust performance across its diverse range of vessels, 6]. The company’s commitment to hand-laid fiberglass construction, a hallmark of their building process, is evident in the Harbor 30's solid hull and deck.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 30.75 feet and a waterline length of 26.12 feet, the Harbor 30 is designed for a lively yet stable sailing experience. Her sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 21.46 suggests excellent light-air performance, allowing her to ghost along in gentle breezes. Complementing this, a ballast to displacement ratio of around 0.44 indicates a stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to more wind and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. The displacement to length ratio of approximately 188.19 further categorizes her as a relatively lighter, more performance-oriented vessel for her size.

The Harbor 30 is noted for its ability to perform well to windward, a characteristic attributed to its deep 6.25-foot bulb keel and spade rudder configuration. Anecdotal descriptions suggest the boat possesses a "wolf in sheep's clothing" demeanor, hinting at surprisingly nimble and spirited performance. The layout of the cockpit is designed for ease of handling, with the mainsheet led to the aft end, keeping the expansive cockpit clear of clutter and facilitating single-handed sailing.

Accommodations and Layout

While primarily envisioned as a high-performance daysailer, the Harbor 30 offers a surprisingly functional interior that supports extended cruising and weekend trips. The cabin features a simple yet effective layout. The interior is characterized by a warm and classic ambiance, enhanced by the use of wood trim finishes and a traditional teak-and-holly cabin sole. Although specific headroom figures are not consistently documented, the design incorporates a "completely functional interior for cruising and extended weekending". A notable feature that enhances usability is the innovative drop-down swim step at the transom, which simplifies boarding and adds to the boat's versatility.