Sailing Performance & Handling
The Chance 30-30 is a quintessential IOR-influenced design, characterized by a deep fin keel, a high-aspect-ratio rig, and a spade rudder located well aft. With a displacement of approximately 11,200 pounds and a generous ballast of 5,600 pounds, the boat possesses an unusually high 50% ballast-to-displacement ratio. This configuration makes the 30-30 exceptionally stiff, allowing it to carry full sail longer than many of its contemporaries when the breeze freshens.
On the water, the boat is known for its "tweaky" but rewarding nature. Its performance shines particularly on the wind, where Britton Chance Jr.’s focus on hull efficiency allows it to point high and maintain momentum through a chop. However, like many designs of this era with "pinched" ends and a wide beam carried amidships, the 30-30 can exhibit rhythmic rolling or "death rolls" when running deep downwind in heavy seas if not steered with concentration. Owners often report that the boat feels like a larger vessel due to its power, but the spade rudder provides the fingertip responsiveness of a much lighter racer.
Interior Comfort & Variations
Unlike the stripped-out racing machines that would eventually dominate the IOR scene, Allied insisted on maintaining a level of "yacht" finish inside the 30-30. The interior features a traditional layout that maximizes the 10-foot beam. Upon descending the companionway, one typically finds a functional galley to starboard and a navigation station or quarter berth to port. The main salon utilizes a dinette arrangement that can be converted into a double berth, complemented by a settee opposite.
The use of rich teak joinery and a molded fiberglass headliner reflects Allied’s commitment to quality. While the 25-foot waterline limits the total volume compared to modern "fat" 30-footers, the 30-30 offers respectable headroom (approximately 6'1") and a private forward V-berth and head. Allied also produced a sibling model, the Chance 32.7 (often referred to simply as the Allied 33), which utilized a similar design philosophy but offered an extended hull and refined interior for those seeking more dedicated cruising capacity.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers should approach an Allied Chance 30-30 with a focus on its 1970s-era fiberglass and specialized racing hardware.
- Rudder Post and Spade Rudder: As an early adopter of the spade rudder in a production cruiser, the 30-30’s rudder post and internal webbing are high-stress areas. Inspect for signs of "play" in the bearings or moisture delamination in the rudder blade itself.
- Deck Coring: Like many Allieds of this vintage, the decks are balsa-cored. Check for soft spots around the chainplates, stanchion bases, and the mast step, as neglected bedding compounds can lead to core rot over five decades.
- Engine Repowering: Many 30-30s were originally equipped with the Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine. While a reliable engine if maintained, many have been replaced with Yanmar or Universal diesels. A boat still carrying an original gasoline engine should be priced accordingly, as the weight and balance change of a diesel swap is a common upgrade.
- Chainplate Bulkheads: The high rig tension required for IOR racing puts significant strain on the bulkheads where the chainplates are anchored. Inspect the wood-to-hull bonds for any signs of movement or rot.
Community & Resources
Owners of the Chance 30-30 are often supported by the broader Allied yacht community. The Allied Yacht Owners Association remains a primary repository for technical manuals and historical build data. Because of the boat's racing history, technical discussions often center on optimizing the rig and modernizing sail plans to move away from the massive overlapping genoas that were common in the early 70s.
The Verdict
The Allied Chance 30-30 is a "gentleman’s racer" from a bygone era, offering a unique blend of Britton Chance’s radical design theories and Allied’s conservative, bulletproof construction. It is an ideal choice for the sailor who values windward performance and build quality over the cavernous interiors of modern coastal cruisers.
Pros:
- Exceptional Stability: A 50% ballast ratio provides a secure, stiff platform in heavy air.
- Build Quality: Constructed by Allied during their peak, featuring robust laminates and quality interior woodwork.
- Pointability: Outperforms most cruisers of its era when sailing close-hauled.
Cons:
- Downwind Manners: The IOR hull shape can be prone to rolling in following seas.
- Complex Rig: Requires more active sail trimming and tuning than a simple coastal cruiser.
- Aging Systems: Original Atomic 4 engines and older spade rudder designs require careful scrutiny.
