Wilderness 30 Information, Review, Specs

The Wilderness 30 began production in 1979. Its creation reflects designer Chuck Burns' philosophy, which emphasized speed and agility, incorporating a "generous sail plan" and a "speedy hull design". Wilderness Boat Works, founded by Lynn Daugherty and John Josephs in 1977, built their vessels with a focus on practical and robust construction, primarily utilizing hand-laid fiberglass throughout their operational period until 1986. This manufacturing ethos ensured the durability and seaworthy characteristics for which their boats, including the Wilderness 30, became known. While the primary model was a masthead sloop, a notable variant, the Wilderness 30SX, featured a fractional rig and a lighter displacement of 4,200 lbs compared to the standard model's 5,500 lbs.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Wilderness 30 exhibits strong sailing characteristics, aligning with its performance-oriented design. Its sail area to displacement ratio, calculated at approximately 24.25, is quite high, indicating excellent performance in light air conditions. With a displacement of 5,500 lbs and a waterline length of 27.75 feet, its displacement to length ratio is around 257.4, placing it in the category of a moderate cruiser rather than an ultra-light displacement vessel. For context, the Wilderness 30SX variant has a ballast of 1,900 lbs, which would result in a ballast to displacement ratio of about 0.345 for the standard Wilderness 30 if similar, suggesting a good level of initial stability, though perhaps less stiff than boats with higher ballast ratios. Anecdotal evidence suggests the Wilderness 30 is a "quick, responsive boat that will reward good handling". Its design, which is notably "slimmer than 79% of all other designs" in its class, contributes to its "significantly more speedy hull design". Overall, the boat is known to sail "very well".

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed specifications on the interior layout are not extensively documented in the initial data, the Wilderness 30 is generally considered "roomy" for a vessel of its size. Typical for 30-foot monohulls of its era, the interior likely features a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a table, a galley area, and a dedicated head compartment. Construction materials would typically involve a combination of fiberglass liners and wood trim, providing a functional and durable living space. Without specific detailed interior plans or reviews, precise descriptions of storage, ventilation, or finish quality cannot be provided, but the builder's reputation for solid construction would suggest a practical and well-built interior.

Owner's Perspectives

The Wilderness 30 has garnered a reputation as a "cult boat with a good reputation" among its owners. Sailors frequently praise its robust construction and seaworthy characteristics, qualities inherent in Wilderness Boat Works' design philosophy of creating "practical and robust monohull sailboats". Owners appreciate its strong sailing performance, highlighting its responsiveness and ability to perform well in various conditions. While specific recurring issues are not prominently detailed in widely available owner reviews, the collective sentiment emphasizes the enduring appeal of its solid build and capable sailing characteristics.