Focus 730 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Focus 730 is characterized by its "ultra-light" displacement profile, carrying a Displacement-to-Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 125. This puts it firmly in the category of performance-oriented hulls that prioritize acceleration and responsiveness over heavy-weather momentum. With a Sail Area-to-Displacement (SA/D) ratio nearing 19.4, the boat is notoriously lively in light-to-moderate air, often outperforming much larger cruisers on a reach. The hull features a modern, plum-like bow and a long waterline of 6.93 meters, which aids in maintaining a theoretical hull speed of roughly 6.4 knots.

Handling is defined by its fractional sloop rig and a removable transom-hung rudder, which provides significant leverage and feedback to the helm. According to technical data from itBoat, the yacht typically utilizes a centerboard or a lifting keel system, which draws between 0.30 meters when retracted and 1.35 meters when fully deployed. This variable draft allows sailors to "beach" the vessel or navigate shallow estuaries, though the ballast ratio of approximately 30% suggests that while the boat is stiff enough for coastal Force 4-5 conditions, it requires early reefing to maintain an upright, efficient plane. Anecdotal owner reports from Polish sailing circles suggest the boat tracks well upwind but requires a gennaker or asymmetric spinnaker to truly unlock its downwind potential in lighter breezes.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The most striking feature of the Focus 730 is its ability to sleep up to five or six adults within a 7.35-meter hull. The interior is designed with a "caboose" (galley) located near the companionway for optimal ventilation and a separate toilet compartment—a rarity in boats under 25 feet. Sobusiak utilizes light-colored wood finishes and large acrylic deck windows to combat the "cave-like" feel common in small cruisers. The "Cruising" variant often features a three-cabin arrangement, consisting of an open V-berth forward, a central salon with convertible settees, and an aft berth tucked under the cockpit sole.

Sibling models built on similar design philosophies include the Focus 750 Performance, which offers a more aggressive hull shape and a larger cockpit for racing crews, and the Focus 800, which extends the concept into a more permanent coastal cruiser with a dedicated aft cabin. The yard also offers a "Family Package" for the 730 that prioritizes interior amenities over racing hardware, including pressurized water and upgraded upholstery.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

When inspecting a used Focus 730, the lifting keel mechanism should be the primary point of focus. As is common with trailerable Polish yachts, the pivot pin and lifting pennant are subject to significant wear, especially if the boat has been used extensively in sandy or silty waters.

• Keel Box Integrity: Inspect the trunk for signs of stress cracking or water ingress at the pivot bolt. A "clunking" sound while at anchor often indicates worn spacers or a loose fit between the keel and the box.
• Mast Lowering System: The "A-frame" or "deadman" system used for lowering the mast should be checked for bent hardware or frayed wires. Ensure the forestay attachment point hasn't been compromised by improper tensioning during frequent rigging.
• Deck Core: While Sobusiak uses high-quality fiberglass (GRP), early models should be checked for soft spots around the chainplates and deck-mounted winches, where hardware may have been under-bedded during initial assembly.
• Rudder Bushings: The transom-hung rudder is exposed to high loads during spirited sailing; check for excessive play in the pintles and gudgeons.

Community & Resources

The primary resource for technical support and original parts is the builder, Sobusiak Yacht Yard, which maintains a direct relationship with owners and provides documentation for older hulls. In Poland, the Focus line is a staple of the "Mazury" charter fleets, and technical wikis dedicated to Polish lake sailing often feature the 730 as a benchmark for trailerable cruisers.

The Verdict

The Focus 730 is an ideal choice for the "weekend warrior" who requires a boat that can be stored on a driveway but provides genuine cruising amenities for a family of four. It excels in protected coastal waters and lakes but is not intended for blue-water passages.

Pros

• True Portability: One of the largest yachts that can be comfortably trailered without a wide-load permit in most regions.
• Interior Volume: Exceptional use of space, including a dedicated head and galley for a 24-footer.
• Light Air Performance: A competitive racer-cruiser that rewards active trimming.

Cons

• Stability Limits: CE Category C rating limits its use to coastal and inland waters; not for heavy offshore conditions.
• Mechanical Complexity: The lifting keel and mast-lowering systems require more preventative maintenance than fixed-keel alternatives.
• Initial Ballast: The high ballast-to-displacement ratio in the floor (internal ballast) can make the boat feel "tender" until the lifting keel is fully deployed and locked.