Hinterhoeller Nonsuch 30 Ultra Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing experience of the Nonsuch 30 Ultra is defined by its unstayed carbon or aluminum mast and wishbone boom, a setup that facilitates remarkably easy shorthanded handling. With a sail area of 540 square feet and a displacement of approximately 10,500 pounds, the boat possesses a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/D) ratio of roughly 18.0, suggesting a powerful sail plan for a 30-foot cruiser. However, its handling is more stable than its technical ratios might suggest; the mast is designed to flex to leeward during heavy gusts, naturally spilling wind and reducing heel. Practical Sailor notes that the boat does not suffer from the "catboat disease" of excessive weather helm, thanks to a modern fin keel and a semi-balanced spade rudder that move the center of lateral resistance further aft than on traditional 19th-century working catboats.

On the water, the boat is most efficient on a beam to broad reach, where it can easily reach its hull speed of approximately 7.1 knots. Upwind performance is respectable, though it lacks the pointing ability of a modern sloop-rigged racer. In light air, the boat can feel sluggish due to the high wetted surface area provided by its nearly 12-foot beam. Conversely, running dead downwind is its weakest point, as the absence of a vang or traveler means the wishbone boom can lift, and the large mainsheet can occasionally drag in the water if not properly managed.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The "Ultra" designation refers specifically to the interior layout, which differs significantly from the "Classic" open-plan version. In the Ultra, the forward area of the boat is transformed into a dedicated master stateroom featuring a large double berth offset to one side, a vanity, and a hanging locker. This variation removed the aft quarter berths found in the Classic to accommodate a much larger head compartment, which includes a rare-for-its-size separate shower stall.

The main salon utilizes the boat’s massive beam to provide an L-shaped dinette to port and a straight settee to starboard. Reviewers for Canadian Boating often remark that the interior volume of the 30-footer is comparable to most traditional 35-to-36-foot sloops. Ventilation is excellent, provided by three large deck hatches and as many as nine opening ports. Hinterhoeller also produced a "Nova" version in the late 1980s, which shared the Ultra layout but added a carbon fiber mast and updated interior finishes, and the later Nonsuch 324, which utilized the same hull with a wing keel and an updated carbon wishbone boom.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Nonsuch 30 gained notable attention in the cruising community through David Philpott’s book Dangerous Waters, which chronicles his ambitious, though ill-fated, attempt to circumnavigate in a Nonsuch 30. While the boat is primarily marketed as a coastal cruiser, Philpott’s voyage highlighted the design’s inherent strength and the unique challenges of managing a large, single-sail rig in extreme offshore conditions.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

• Hull and Deck Core: Both the hull and deck are balsa-cored. While Hinterhoeller’s construction quality was high, buyers must inspect for delamination or moisture ingress, particularly around the mast partner, stanchion bases, and the through-bolted hull-to-deck joint. Some reports suggest that earlier models may have balsa coring in the bottom, which requires careful ultrasonic testing or percussion sounding by a surveyor.
• Mast Step and Partners: The unstayed mast places immense leverage on the mast step and the deck partner. Inspectors should look for hairline fractures in the aluminum mast collar or compression damage in the reinforced "box" structures in the forepeak that transmit these loads to the hull.
• Auxiliary Power: Early models (up to approximately hull #125) were equipped with a 23-hp Volvo MD11C diesel and a saildrive. Later models transitioned to a 27-hp Westerbeke with a conventional shaft drive. The saildrive units require specific attention to the aluminum lower unit and the rubber diaphragm seal, while the Westerbeke is generally preferred for ease of maintenance.
• Propane and Systems: Many older Nonsuches were built with aluminum holding tanks that are prone to pinhole leaks over decades of use. Additionally, the original propane locker and delivery systems often do not meet modern ABYC standards and should be scrutinized.

Community & Resources

The International Nonsuch Association (INA) is the primary resource for owners, providing a deep repository of technical manuals, design history, and a "Discourse" group for troubleshooting specific mechanical issues. The association is particularly active in North America, with regional chapters organizing annual "Nonsuch Rendezvous" events in the Great Lakes and Chesapeake Bay.

The Verdict

The Nonsuch 30 Ultra remains a premier choice for cruisers who prioritize interior living space and ease of handling over racing aesthetics or extreme upwind pointing.

Pros:

• Exceptional interior volume equivalent to much larger vessels.
• Simplified sailing with no standing rigging or winching required for tacks.
• High build quality from the Hinterhoeller factory.
• Extremely stable hull form with a high ballast ratio (~39%).

Cons:

• Underperforms on dead downwind points of sail.
• Balsa-cored hull requires diligent moisture maintenance.
• Wide beam and high freeboard make it susceptible to windage when docking.
• The large, heavy mast can be expensive and difficult to step/unstep.