Santana 30-30 PC Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Santana 30-30 series, including the PC version, began production in 1981. The design was penned by the notable naval architecture team of Bruce Nelson and Bruce Marek, who envisioned a vessel capable of both racing and cruising. W.D. Schock, founded by William "Bill" D. Schock, had established itself as a prolific builder known for robust fiberglass construction and practical designs, a philosophy evident in the Santana 30-30's creation.

During its production run, approximately 40 units of the Santana 30-30 PC were built, part of a larger series that included the more race-oriented Santana 30-30 GP (Grand Prix) version, launched in 1983. The PCII, an updated version of the Performance Cruiser, featured several enhancements, including a Yanmar diesel engine, outboard-moved chainplates for improved jib sheeting, and a lower settee designed to increase headroom in the interior. Furthermore, boats built after 1985 were equipped with elliptical keels and rudders, suggesting ongoing refinements to optimize performance and handling. Some Santana 30-30 models were also delivered with an open transom option.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Santana 30-30 PC, with its fin keel and spade rudder, was designed for a balance of speed and stability. Its calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 20.14 suggests a boat that is relatively powerful for its displacement, indicating good performance, particularly in lighter air. A Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 0.355 points to a moderately stiff hull, capable of standing up to a decent breeze without excessive heel, contributing to a comfortable motion in a seaway.

With a Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 176.9, the Santana 30-30 PC falls into the lighter, more performance-oriented category for boats of its size. This ratio typically indicates a vessel that is responsive and quick to accelerate. While the GP model was known to sail best in medium air, the PC version's design as a "Performance Cruiser" implies a broader range of comfortable sailing conditions. The boat's long waterline of 25.42 feet, relative to its overall length of just under 30 feet, contributes to its hull speed of 6.76 knots, suggesting efficient progress through the water.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom figures for the Santana 30-30 PC are not consistently available, the interior was designed to offer a more cruiser-friendly layout compared to its pure racing counterparts. The PC version typically features more teak trim and an L-shaped galley, contributing to a warmer, more traditional marine interior aesthetic. A port settee is a common feature, and the later PCII version specifically lowered the settee to provide better headroom. Though configured as a cruiser, some owners note that its interior might still feel more like a racer-cruiser compromise than a dedicated liveaboard or extended cruising vessel. The layout generally prioritizes functionality and includes typical arrangements such as a V-berth forward, a main salon area, and a head.