Stiletto 30 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Stiletto 30 entered production in 1982 and was designed by Peter Wormwood. Its introduction followed the success of the iconic Stiletto 27, expanding the builder's line of innovative performance catamarans. Stiletto Catamarans, founded by John Cloud and Bill Higgins, aimed to create a "trailerable high performance coastwise cruiser," a philosophy clearly reflected in the Stiletto 30.

A hallmark of Stiletto's design and manufacturing ethos was the commitment to advanced materials. Like its predecessors, the Stiletto 30 was constructed using state-of-the-art honeycomb composites, such as fiberglass honeycomb core for both the hull and deck, Builder Article]. This innovative construction delivered an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, allowing the Stiletto 30 to be a remarkably light yet robust vessel. Production of the Stiletto line, including the 30, continued until 1986 after the brand was acquired by Ron and Andy Nicol in 1983.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Stiletto 30, with a length overall of just under 30 feet (29.33 ft) and an impressive beam of 17.83 feet, is characterized by its high-performance catamaran hull type. Its design prioritizes speed and agility, making it a true performance catamaran. Owners frequently reported that Stiletto catamarans were exceptionally fast, often matching or exceeding the speed of popular beachcats like the Hobie 16 in strong winds.

With a reported sail area of 400 square feet and a light displacement of 2,100 pounds, the Stiletto 30 is engineered for exhilarating sailing. Its twin hull configuration provides a theoretical hull speed of 6.94 knots. The boat features daggerboards, allowing for a variable draft from a minimum of 0.9 feet (boards up) to a maximum of 4.0 feet (boards down). This not only facilitates easy trailerability and shallow water access but also enhances upwind performance when the boards are deployed. The dual rudders provide responsive steering and control, crucial for a boat designed for high-speed sailing.

Accommodations and Layout

While the Stiletto 30 is renowned for its performance, its interior accommodations are designed to offer practical comfort for coastal cruising and overnight trips. Although detailed specifications for headroom are not consistently available, the builder's intent was to provide amenities suitable for comfortable overnight stays, fitting its "racer/cruiser" identity. The interior layout would typically feature basic living necessities within the confines of its slender hulls and bridging structure, prioritizing lightweight construction over voluminous living spaces. The emphasis on a hard cockpit also suggests a design focused on functional use while underway.