Impala 30 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Impala 30 is characterized by its high ballast ratio of approximately 42%, which, combined with a lead fin keel, provides exceptional stiffness and the ability to carry full sail longer than many of its contemporaries. With a Displacement/Length ratio in the moderate-light category and a relatively high Sail Area/Displacement ratio (reported near 17.7), the boat is a responsive "driver’s boat" that excels in light-to-moderate air.

Owners frequently note that the hull’s modest chines provide a secondary burst of initial stability when heeled, helping the boat "lock in" on a beat. The spade rudder is well-balanced, providing tactile feedback without excessive weather helm, provided the sail plan is properly trimmed. While most hulls were equipped with a masthead sloop rig for simplicity and power, some later variants featured a fractional rig, which allowed for more technical backstay adjustment and finer control over mainsail shape. According to historical tests in the Danish publication Bådnyt, the Impala 30 was praised for its windward performance, often outpointing larger cruisers of the same vintage.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Impala 30 is a hallmark of traditional Scandinavian craftsmanship, typically finished in satin-varnished mahogany. The layout is functional and designed for offshore security, featuring a deep L-shaped galley to port and a proper forward-facing navigation station to starboard. The salon utilizes a traditional twin-settee arrangement with a central drop-leaf table, providing berths for up to six individuals when including the forward V-berth and a dedicated quarter berth.

The use of a sandwich construction for both the hull and deck—utilizing a balsa wood core—provides excellent thermal and acoustic insulation, which significantly reduces condensation in colder climates. Headroom is respectable for a 30-foot yacht of the 1970s, though it tapers moving forward. The model saw several sibling iterations: the smaller Impala 27 was a popular club racer, while the larger Impala 31 served as an evolutionary successor with more beam carried aft. The flagship of the range, the Impala 36, expanded on the 30's design philosophy with a true offshore capability and a more luxurious three-cabin arrangement.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Impala 30 with a focus on the structural integrity of its sandwich-core construction.

• Balsa Core Saturation: The most critical inspection point is the deck and hull core. Like many boats of this era, moisture can ingress through improperly bedded hardware (stanchions, cleats, or chainplates), leading to soft spots or delamination. A moisture meter and percussion "tap" test are essential.
• Mast Support & Deck Compression: Some hulls have exhibited "panting" or slight deflection in the coachroof under high rig tension. Inspectors should check the integrity of the mast step and the internal compression post or bulkheads for signs of crushing or movement.
• Sail Drive Seals: Many units were originally fitted with Volvo Penta diesel engines and sail drives. The rubber diaphragm seal on the sail drive has a recommended service life (often 7 years); if the replacement history is unknown, it should be prioritized.
• Rudder Bearings: As a high-performance spade rudder design, the bushings can wear over time, leading to "play" or vibration at the helm. This is a standard maintenance item but requires hauling the boat to rectify.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical knowledge and class history is the Impala Klubben (Danish Impala Club), which maintains archives of original drawings and provides a network for owners in Scandinavia and Germany. While much of the formal documentation is in Danish, the club is a vital resource for sourcing specific replacement parts or historical context for the Björn Jensen designs.

The Verdict

Pros

• Build Quality: Exceptional mahogany interior joinery and a lead keel as standard.
• Performance: Stiff, weatherly, and capable of competitive club racing even by modern standards.
• Insulation: The sandwich hull provides a drier, warmer cabin environment than single-skin GRP boats.

Cons

• Maintenance Intensity: Balsa-cored hulls require vigilant deck hardware rebedding to prevent rot.
• Interior Volume: The narrow, IOR-influenced stern limits the space for a modern aft cabin.
• Parts Availability: Some original hardware and early Volvo engine components may be difficult to source outside of Northern Europe.