Contour 30 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Contour 30 is defined by a high power-to-weight ratio, driven by a generous sail plan and a lightweight, vacuum-bagged hull construction typically utilizing Corecell foam. According to an evaluation by Sailing Magazine, the vessel is remarkably responsive, often capable of matching wind speed in light to moderate air. Its handling characteristics are dominated by its wide stance, which provides immense initial stability, allowing the boat to carry full sail long after a monohull of similar length would be forced to reef.

The use of a deep daggerboard rather than a fixed keel or centerboard ensures excellent upwind tracking and minimizes leeway. When the board is raised, the draft is reduced to less than two feet, allowing for "beaching" or exploring thin-water anchorages that are inaccessible to most cruisers. Under power, the boat is typically fitted with a 9.9hp to 15hp outboard mounted on a retractable bracket, providing sufficient maneuverability, though the high windage of the light hulls can make docking in a crosswind a focused exercise for the helmsman.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a trimaran focused on performance, the interior of the Contour 30 is surprisingly accommodating, benefiting from the depth of the central hull. The cabin offers approximately 6' 2" of headroom in the main salon, a rarity for 30-foot multihulls. The layout typically features a V-berth forward, a central settee that can double as additional sleeping quarters, and a compact galley. The "MKII" variant of the model introduced several refinements, most notably an updated deck mold and interior tweaks that optimized storage and ventilation.

The use of molded fiberglass liners and light wood accents keeps the interior bright, though the narrow beam of the main hull (inherent to trimaran design) means the living space feels more like a narrow 25-foot monohull than a 30-foot cruiser. However, the expansive cockpit and the netting between the main hull and the amas effectively double the usable "on-deck" living space when at anchor. A sibling model, the Contour 34, was later developed on a separate but philosophically similar hull, offering more offshore capability and standing headroom throughout, while the rare Contour 50 applied these folding principles to a blue-water scale.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus their inspections on the mechanical and structural integrity of the folding system and the composite laminate.

• Swing-Wing Pivot Points: The stainless steel pins and bushings in the folding mechanism are subject to significant loads. Inspectors should look for "slop" or movement in the amas when the boat is tensioned. Wear in these bushings can lead to rig tension issues and unwanted vibration while underway.
• Daggerboard Trunk: Given the performance nature of the boat, the daggerboard trunk is a high-stress area. Check for stress cracking at the base of the trunk or evidence of "grounding" damage, which can compromise the watertight integrity of the main hull.
• Core Integrity: The vacuum-bagged Corecell construction is generally robust, but any aftermarket hardware installations that were not properly "potted" with epoxy can lead to localized core saturation. Use a moisture meter around stanchion bases and the folding arm mounts.
• Rigging Tension: Trimarans place unique lateral loads on the mast. Ensure the forestay and shroud attachment points are free of spider-cracking and that the mast step remains compression-free.

Community & Resources

The Contour 30 maintains a dedicated following among multihull enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest and the Great Lakes. The most prominent technical resource is the Contour Yachts Owners group, which maintains archives of original factory specifications and provides a platform for owners to share modifications for the swing-wing mechanism and daggerboard repairs.

The Verdict

The Contour 30 remains a premier choice for the sailor who refuses to choose between high-speed performance and the ability to tuck into a standard marina slip.

Pros:

• Exceptional speed and light-air performance.
• Swing-wing folding mechanism allows for standard slip access and trailering.
• Draft of less than 2 feet with the daggerboard up enables "thin water" cruising.
• Surprisingly spacious main cabin with standing headroom.

Cons:

• Narrow interior living space compared to monohulls of the same length.
• Outboard motor placement can be awkward in heavy following seas.
• Higher maintenance requirements for the folding joints and daggerboard system.