Sailing Performance & Handling
The Claymore 30 is a heavy-displacement cruiser that leans heavily into its identity as a motorsailer. With a high displacement-to-length ratio, the hull is designed for stability and momentum rather than agility. In light airs, the boat can feel sluggish, often requiring the assistance of its diesel engine to make significant headway against a tide. However, as documented in various archival assessments from Yachting Monthly, the vessel comes into its own when the wind rises above Force 4. Its high freeboard and substantial weight allow it to shoulder through a chop with a dry deck and a predictable, steady motion that minimizes crew fatigue.
Tracking is generally excellent due to the long-keel configuration (or the popular bilge-keel variant), making it a forgiving boat for short-handed sailors. The steering, often a wheel-mounted system in the sheltered cockpit, can feel somewhat disconnected compared to a tiller-steered racer, but it provides the mechanical advantage necessary to manage the boat in heavy weather. While it does not point particularly high into the wind—a common trait of Alan Hill’s more voluminous designs—it reaches and runs with a sense of "unstoppable" purpose.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The defining characteristic of the Claymore 30 is its remarkable interior volume. The "Aft Cabin" variant is the most sought-after model on the second-hand market, as it manages to squeeze a completely separate twin-berth cabin into the stern, accessible via the cockpit. This layout effectively creates two separate living zones, making it an ideal choice for families or two couples cruising together. The main saloon is characterized by generous headroom, often exceeding 6 feet, and a "deck saloon" feel created by the large cabin windows.
The materials used by Marcon were typical of the era: substantial teak joinery, thick fiberglass laminates, and functional, if utilitarian, galleys. Because many of these boats were sold as kits for owner-completion, the quality of the finish can vary significantly between individual vessels. In the "Sloop" or "Aft Cockpit" versions, the layout is more conventional but provides a massive cockpit and a larger single-cabin feel below decks. The sibling Barbican 30, while sharing the hull, often features a more traditional "Griffiths" aesthetic with lower profiles and different interior woodwork.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers of a Claymore 30 should focus their inspections on the specific challenges of 1970s fiberglass construction and the boat's complex mechanical systems.
- Window Seals and Leaks: The large, iconic aluminum-framed windows are a primary source of water ingress. Over decades, the seals perish, leading to teak veneer damage and damp cushions. Inspect the woodwork below every window for staining or soft spots.
- Engine Installation: Many Claymores were fitted with the Perkins 4.108 or Thornycroft engines. While these are "bulletproof" units, the engine rooms in motorsailers are often enclosed to reduce noise, which can lead to overheating if ventilation has been modified. Check for evidence of oil leaks in the bilge and ensure the heat exchanger has been serviced recently.
- Deck Core Integrity: Like many Marcon builds, the deck is a sandwich construction. Look for "crazing" in the gelcoat or a "springy" feel underfoot, which may indicate that the balsa or foam core has become saturated and delaminated from the fiberglass skins.
- Steering Linkage: On wheel-steered models, the cables or hydraulic lines running to the rudder post should be inspected for corrosion or wear, as the routing can be tight and difficult to access behind the aft cabin or cockpit lockers.
Community & Resources
The Claymore 30 benefits from the support of the Trident Owners Association, which, despite its name, serves as a technical hub for various Alan Hill and Marcon-built designs. This community is a vital resource for owners looking for original wiring diagrams or advice on replacing the specific window extrusions used by the Woolston yard.
The Verdict
The Claymore 30 remains one of the most practical entry-level motorsailers for those who value comfort and safety over speed. It is a "small-big boat" that punches well above its weight in terms of livability.
Pros:
- Exceptional interior volume and headroom for a 30-foot boat.
- The aft-cabin layout provides rare privacy for families.
- Heavy-duty construction capable of handling serious coastal cruising.
- Predictable, stable handling in a blow.
Cons:
- Pedestrian performance in light winds and poor pointing ability.
- Large cabin windows are prone to leaking and require maintenance.
- Variable interior finish quality due to many being owner-completed kits.
