Metalmast 30 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Metalmast 30 is frequently characterized by its weatherly nature and ability to carry sail longer than other 30-footers of its generation. With a fin keel and a balanced spade rudder, the boat exhibits the responsive, "dinghy-like" feel common to Peter Canning designs. Its displacement-to-length ratio typically falls in the moderate range, providing enough momentum to punch through a New England chop without the pounding associated with lighter, modern hulls.

Owners and historical technical notes suggest the boat is exceptionally well-balanced; when the sail plan is properly trimmed, the helm remains light even in gusty conditions. Because Metalmast Marine manufactured the spars in-house, the boat often features a high-aspect rig with substantial mast-section wall thickness, reducing pumping in heavy seas. The rigging hardware, much of which is documented by Rig-Rite, was often oversized for a boat of this displacement, giving the Metalmast 30 a reputation for durability in offshore conditions. Its performance under the IOR rule resulted in a hull that is quite wide amidships but tapers toward a narrower stern, a configuration that provides excellent initial stability but requires attentive trimming when sailing deep downwind to avoid rhythmic rolling.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel designed with a racing pedigree, the Metalmast 30 offers a surprisingly functional interior that adheres to the "traditional" layout of the 1970s. The cabin is typically finished with a mix of teak bulkheads and a molded fiberglass headliner, providing a warm but low-maintenance environment. The standard configuration features a V-berth forward, followed by a head and hanging locker. The main salon utilizes two longitudinal settees with a central folding table, often allowing for four adults to dine comfortably.

A notable characteristic of the Metalmast 30 is its galley and navigation station arrangement. Usually positioned at the base of the companionway, the galley is compact but seaworthy, often featuring a deep sink and a two-burner stove. The quarter berth to port serves as the navigator’s seat, a design choice that maximizes the use of the 30-foot footprint. While the headroom is adequate for most—clearing approximately six feet in the main salon—the "pinched" stern design of the era means the aft quarter berth can feel somewhat confined compared to modern wide-stern cruisers. Metalmast also produced a sibling model, the Metalmast 36, which utilized the same design philosophy and construction techniques but offered a significantly more voluminous interior and a dedicated aft stateroom in some custom layouts.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus on technical areas where a spar-maker’s construction might differ from a traditional boatyard. While the hulls are generally robust, synthesized data from owner discussions indicates three primary areas of concern:

• Chainplate Attachments: Because the Metalmast 30 was designed for high rig tension, the loads on the chainplates are significant. It is vital to inspect the fiberglass knees where the chainplates bolt to the hull for signs of crazing or movement.
• Mast Step Corrosion: While Metalmast spars are legendary, the base of the mast where it meets the cabin top or keel (depending on the specific production run) can suffer from galvanic corrosion if the stainless steel hardware was not properly isolated from the aluminum extrusion.
• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, the Metalmast 30 uses a balsa-cored deck. Buyers should check for soft spots around the stanchion bases and the mast collar, as any water ingress can lead to delamination over decades of use.
• Rudder Post Play: The spade rudder on this model is high-performance but susceptible to wear in the bushings. Any significant "clunking" or lateral movement when the helm is shaken should be addressed by a surveyor.

Community & Resources

The primary technical resource for the Metalmast 30 remains Rig-Rite, which acquired the original Metalmast Marine dies and tooling. They serve as the definitive source for replacement mastheads, spreaders, and specialized boom hardware that may be difficult to source from general chandleries. While there is no longer a formal manufacturer-backed owner's association, the boat maintains a dedicated presence in New England racing circuits, and technical support is frequently found through regional sailing forums where former Metalmast employees and Peter Canning enthusiasts share refit data.

The Verdict

The Metalmast 30 is a "sailor’s sailboat," offering a level of rig engineering and hull stiffness that makes it a formidable contender in club racing and a reliable coastal cruiser. While its interior may feel dated compared to modern "condo-marans," its structural integrity and pedigree as a product of one of the world's great spar makers make it a standout on the used market.

Pros:

• Superior mast and rigging quality compared to most production peers.
• Excellent upwind performance and stiffness in heavy air.
• Solid fiberglass hull construction with a reputable designer (Peter Canning).
• Ongoing availability of specialized spar parts through Rig-Rite.

Cons:

• IOR-era hull shape can be "twitchy" when sailing downwind in a blow.
• Narrow stern limits aft cabin space and cockpit volume.
• Aging balsa-cored decks require careful moisture inspection.