Blue Chip 30 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Blue Chip 30 exhibits the steady, predictable behavior typical of Thomas Gillmer’s heavy-displacement designs. With a displacement of approximately 10,600 pounds and a lead ballast of 4,000 pounds, the boat possesses a high ballast ratio (nearly 38%), making it exceptionally stiff and capable of carrying sail well into freshening breezes. The full keel and protected rudder provide excellent tracking, allowing the helmsman to relax on long offshore stretches where fin-keel designs might require constant attention.

The hull's canoe stern—a Gillmer signature—allows following seas to part cleanly around the stern, reducing the risk of being pooped in heavy weather. However, the trade-off for this stability is felt in light air; with a modest sail area-to-displacement ratio, the Blue Chip 30 requires a healthy breeze to find its groove. It is not a boat that will win around-the-buoys races, but it excels in maintaining a comfortable motion in a seaway. Owners often describe the handling as "honest," noting that the boat provides significant tactile feedback before becoming overpowered.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Inside the Blue Chip 30, the craftsmanship of Cape Cod Shipbuilding is immediately evident in the extensive use of high-quality wood joinery. Because these vessels were often built as semi-custom projects, the interior configurations can vary between hulls. Most layouts feature a classic offshore arrangement: a forward V-berth, a compact head to port, and a main salon with facing settees that can serve as excellent sea berths.

The galley is typically located aft, near the companionway, for optimal ventilation and to keep the cook close to the cockpit during passages. Despite its 30-foot length, the boat feels substantial below deck due to its 9' 6" beam and thoughtful use of vertical space. However, the canoe stern does limit storage in the extreme aft sections compared to a transom-stern vessel. Sibling designs in the Gillmer catalog, such as the Southern Cross 31, offer similar volume, but the Blue Chip 30 is often cited for having a superior level of finish, owing to the builder's refusal to transition to the mass-production "liner" systems used by larger manufacturers.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Blue Chip 30 occupies a niche but respected position in the "plastic classic" community. While it lacks a single world-famous voyage like the Allied Seawind (the first fiberglass boat to circumnavigate), it shares the same design DNA. Thomas Gillmer’s reputation for seaworthiness has made the Blue Chip 30 a favorite subject in historical reviews of American fiberglass pioneers. It is frequently mentioned in technical discussions regarding the evolution of the "double-ender" in 20th-century yachting, often positioned as a more refined, smaller alternative to the Westsail 32.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Blue Chip 30 with the understanding that these are aging hulls, often dating from the late 1960s to the 1970s. Key areas for inspection include:

• Deck Core Integrity: While Cape Cod Shipbuilding’s hull-to-deck bonding was revolutionary, the decks themselves often utilized a balsa core. Inspect for soft spots around high-load areas like chainplates, stanchion bases, and the mast step.
• Chainplate Anchors: On a boat designed for offshore work, the integrity of the stainless steel chainplates and their attachment points to the bulkheads is critical. Look for signs of "bleeding" or weeping rust, which indicates crevice corrosion.
• Original Engine Condition: Many units were originally fitted with small Atomic 4 gasoline engines or early Westerbeke diesels. Given the tight engine space in a canoe-stern hull, repowering can be a complex and expensive undertaking.
• Rudder Gudgeons: The full-keel, barn-door rudder is robust, but the hardware (gudgeons and pintles) should be checked for play or electrolysis, especially if the boat has been kept in saltwater for decades.

Community & Resources

The primary resource for this model remains the Cape Cod Shipbuilding Co., which continues to operate in Wareham, MA. Unlike many defunct builders, CCS maintains historical records and can often provide original specifications or parts for their legacy models. Owners also frequent the Thomas Gillmer Design groups and broader traditional cruising forums to share refit advice and sailing tips.

The Verdict

The Blue Chip 30 is a "sailor’s sailboat," designed for those who prioritize safety and tradition over interior volume and light-air speed. It is a vessel built to a standard rarely seen in contemporary boatbuilding.

Pros:

• Exceptional Build Quality: Constructed by a yard known for over-engineering and longevity.
• Offshore Pedigree: A true double-ender that handles heavy weather with grace.
• Timeless Aesthetics: Classic lines that turn heads in any harbor.
• Lead Ballast: High stability and safety compared to iron-ballasted competitors.

Cons:

• Light Air Performance: Struggles in breezes under 10 knots without a large headsail.
• Aft Storage: The canoe stern limits cockpit locker and lazarette space.
• Age: Most examples will require significant system updates (electrical, plumbing, standing rigging).