Santana 30 Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Santana 30 began in 1974, with production continuing until 1980, resulting in 118 hulls launched. The design was penned by Douglas Peterson, a renowned American yacht designer celebrated for his impactful racing designs, including the successful One Tonner Ganbare introduced just a year prior to the Santana 30's debut. Peterson's philosophy often balanced competitive performance with practical usability, a characteristic evident in the Santana 30, which has been compared to other Peterson designs like the UK Contention 30.

W.D. Schock, the builder, was a prominent West Coast manufacturer known for its commitment to quality fiberglass construction and forward-thinking design. During this era, Schock specialized in robust, accessible, and competitive sailing vessels. The Santana 30 was offered with a standard keel drawing 5.0 feet, with an option for a deeper 5.50-foot keel. Furthermore, after hull number 15, the standard rig dimensions saw slight adjustments, with a "tall version" also being produced in smaller numbers.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Santana 30's design ratios offer insight into its anticipated sailing characteristics. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 16.33, the boat is categorized as having moderate sail power, suggesting decent all-around performance without necessarily excelling in very light wind conditions, though owners note it can hold its own. A notably high Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 47.5% indicates exceptional stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up well to a breeze and maintain a more upright attitude under sail. The Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 228.48 places the Santana 30 in the medium-displacement category, aligning with its role as a balanced cruiser-racer.

Anecdotal reports from owners consistently praise the Santana 30 as a "tidy little boat that goes well for its size and age," offering a "great combo of utility, performance, and ease of use." Its stiff nature contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway and good handling characteristics, making it a reliable performer in various conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts for the original Santana 30 are not extensively documented in widely available resources, boats of this size and era typically featured a functional cruising interior. Common arrangements would include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that could convert into berths, a galley area, and a navigation station. A private head compartment would also be standard. Given its design as a performance cruiser, the interior would likely prioritize practicality and efficient use of space, often featuring a blend of fiberglass surfaces with wood trim for a classic aesthetic. Due to limited specific information, details regarding maximum headroom, precise storage solutions, or ventilation systems are not consistently available, though the interior is generally considered sufficient for weekend cruising and short trips.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners frequently commend the Santana 30 for its robust construction, a hallmark of W.D. Schock-built boats. Its solid build contributes to a feeling of security and a comfortable motion even in challenging conditions. The boat is generally appreciated for its balanced performance, proving capable for both competitive club racing and relaxed cruising.

However, as with many vessels of its age, certain common maintenance areas have been noted. The rudder, for instance, is an area that some owners have identified as potentially requiring attention over time. Additionally, there have been isolated reports of issues such as cracks on the keel lead cast into the fiberglass, suggesting that careful inspection of the keel-hull joint is advisable during pre-purchase surveys. Despite these potential concerns, the overall sentiment among owners appears to be positive, highlighting the Santana 30's enduring appeal as a capable and enjoyable sailboat.