Wilderness 30 SX Information, Review, Specs

The Wilderness 30 SX began production in 1979, emerging from the boatyard of Wilderness Boat Works, a company co-founded by Lynn Daugherty and John Josephs in 1977. During its operational years, which concluded in 1986, Wilderness Boat Works earned a reputation for constructing robust and practical sailboats primarily using hand-laid fiberglass. The company's design philosophy centered on creating functional monohull sloops, often distinguished by their solid construction and seaworthy attributes.

The Wilderness 30 SX is a variant of the Wilderness 30, both conceived by naval architect Chuck Burns, who was instrumental in designing several of Wilderness Boat Works' models. A key differentiator for the SX model is its fractional rig, in contrast to the masthead rig found on the standard Wilderness 30. This rigging choice, coupled with a slightly shorter J measurement (the horizontal distance from the mast to the forestay), typically indicates a design emphasis on performance, allowing for more control over sail shape and a larger mainsail in proportion to the headsail.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Wilderness 30 SX boasts a design geared towards spirited performance, thanks to a combination of its key specifications. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 27.6, the boat is well-powered and capable of performing admirably in lighter winds, suggesting a nimble and responsive sailing experience. Its ballast to displacement ratio (Bal/D) of around 0.45 indicates a stiff and stable platform, enabling the boat to stand up well to a breeze and providing a comfortable motion in various sea states. Furthermore, a displacement to length ratio (D/L) of approximately 196.4 classifies the Wilderness 30 SX as a relatively light and performance-oriented vessel for its size, contributing to its lively feel on the water.

Equipped with a fin keel and a spade rudder, the Wilderness 30 SX is designed for efficient hydrodynamics and responsive steering. The fractional rig, a defining feature of the SX model, contributes to the boat's overall performance by allowing for finer tuning of sail trim, particularly the mainsail, which can be advantageous for competitive sailing or achieving optimal speed in varying conditions. Owners generally find the boat to offer spirited performance due to its light displacement hull and generous sail plan.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts for the Wilderness 30 SX are not widely documented in available information, boats of this size and era typically feature a practical arrangement designed for coastal cruising or weekend trips. Given its overall length of just under 30 feet, the interior would likely include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that may convert into berths, a compact galley area, and a dedicated head compartment. The design emphasis on performance for the SX model might suggest a more utilitarian interior focused on functionality rather than elaborate luxury. The available data does not specify maximum headroom, but similar designs of the period typically offered standing room in the main salon area, becoming more constrained forward and aft.

Owner's Perspectives

Information regarding specific owner reviews and common issues for the Wilderness 30 SX is not extensively aggregated in publicly available online sources. While general discussions about Wilderness sailboats, including the 30 and 30 SX models, appear in various sailing forums, a synthesized collective viewpoint on common strengths or recurring weaknesses is not readily apparent from current search results. Owners generally appreciate the robust construction characteristic of Wilderness Boat Works, which utilized hand-laid fiberglass, contributing to the enduring presence of these vessels on the water today.