Tmi 30 Information, Review, Specs

The production of the Tmi 30 spanned a relatively short period from 1979 to 1981, marking a transitional era for several well-known sailboat designs. Its lineage traces back to Chrysler Marine, the marine division of the automotive giant. When Chrysler faced significant financial challenges, six executives from its boat-building subsidiary stepped in, acquiring the sailboat division's assets. In 1980, they established Texas Marine International Inc. (TMI), with a clear mission to continue manufacturing popular Chrysler sailboat designs, including the Chrysler 30, which they rebranded as the Tmi 30.

The design ethos behind the Chrysler 30, and subsequently the Tmi 30, was largely a continuation of Chrysler Marine's philosophy: to produce accessible, recreational sailboats for a broad range of sailors. Naval architect Charles Morgan played a key role in shaping the original Chrysler 30 design, aiming for a robust and family-friendly cruiser rather than a high-performance racer. During its production run, a notable variation was offered, with a shoal draft version available at 3.5 feet, providing increased access to shallower waters. The molds for the Chrysler 30 were later sold again, eventually becoming the Ticon 30.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Tmi 30, with its nearly 30-foot length overall and a 26.0-foot waterline, presents a solid platform for cruising. Its design characteristics provide insights into its anticipated performance and handling. With a calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 15.49, the Tmi 30 is a moderately powered vessel. This ratio suggests a balanced performance profile, capable of handling varying wind conditions without being overly sensitive in light air or excessively overpowered in strong breezes.

A Ballast to Displacement ratio (B/D) of approximately 0.447 indicates a significant amount of ballast relative to its total displacement. This high ratio points to good initial stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up well to a breeze and provide a comfortable motion in a seaway. The Displacement to Length ratio (D/L) of roughly 241.3 categorizes the Tmi 30 as a medium-heavy displacement cruiser. This contributes to a comfortable ride and solid feel, although it may not offer the blistering speeds of lighter, more performance-oriented designs. While detailed anecdotal reviews of the Tmi 30's specific handling characteristics are not widely documented, the Chrysler 30 (its original iteration) was considered to have capable sailing performance compared to some contemporaries. The fin keel and spade rudder configuration suggest good maneuverability and responsiveness for a boat of its size.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the specific interior layout and accommodations of the Tmi 30 is not extensively detailed in readily available records. While the boat has a generous beam of 11.0 feet, which typically allows for ample interior volume, specific descriptions of the cabin arrangement, finish quality, or materials are scarce through grounded search. Owners and enthusiasts seeking detailed insights into the interior would likely need to consult original brochures, owner manuals, or inspect specific vessels on the used market.