Reimers S 30 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the S 30 are defined by its extreme length-to-beam ratio and its heritage as a "30 Square Meter" rule boat. Under sail, the S 30 feels more like a precision instrument than a heavy displacement cruiser. Because of its narrow hull, the boat is notoriously "tender" initially, quickly reaching a heel angle of 15 to 20 degrees where it finds its secondary stability and "locks in." In this state, the boat exhibits exceptional tracking; sailors often describe the sensation as being "on rails," requiring very little rudder input to maintain a straight course even in choppy conditions.

The technical ratios of the S 30 highlight its specialization. With a high aspect ratio rig and a relatively light displacement (approximately 3,600 kg), the boat excels in light to moderate air, where it can easily outpace much larger, wider vessels when sailing upwind. According to technical documentation and historical reviews found through the S30-förbundet, the boat’s ability to point high into the wind is its greatest asset. However, this narrowness comes with a trade-off in heavy downwind conditions, where the lack of beam can lead to a rhythmic roll if not managed carefully by the helm. The boat is typically equipped with a fractional rig, which allows for precise mainsail flattening, a necessity given the boat's sensitivity to gusts.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Entering the cabin of an S 30 is a unique experience that emphasizes the "needle" shape of the hull. Because the beam is so restricted, the interior layout is linear and compact. The S 30 was primarily built in two distinct versions: the "Original" and the later "Classic." The Original version typically features a mid-ship cockpit with a separate aft cabin, a layout that provides privacy but bisects the living space. The "S 30 Classic" variant, which gained popularity in the late 1970s, often revised the deck mold to provide a more traditional layout with a deeper, more protected cockpit and improved flow between the saloon and the forward berths.

Materials inside reflect the high standards of 1970s Finnish boatbuilding, with extensive use of teak joinery and functional, albeit narrow, settees. Headroom is a known limitation; the sleek, low-profile coachroof that gives the S 30 its beautiful silhouette results in restricted standing room for taller sailors. The galley and navigation station are usually arranged along the sides of the companionway, utilizing every inch of the 2.5-meter beam. While sibling models like the larger Swede 55 (also a Reimers design) offer significantly more volume, the S 30 remains a "camp-aboard" style cruiser rather than a live-aboard, best suited for short-to-medium duration trips among islands.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Fiskars-built S 30 should focus their inspections on the structural integrity of the hull-deck joint and the condition of the rig. While Fiskars was known for robust GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) work, boats from this era are approaching 50 years of age and require specific scrutiny.

• Mast Step and Compression: Given the narrow beam and the high loads of the fractional rig, the mast step area should be checked for signs of compression or cracking in the fiberglass. If the boat has been raced heavily, the structural floors supporting the mast load may require reinforcement.
• Rudder Bearings and Play: The long, thin rudder of the S 30 is subject to significant leverage. Owners on Nordic technical forums frequently mention the need to replace original bushings to eliminate vibration and play at high speeds.
• Keel Bolt Integrity: The S 30 carries a significant ballast ratio. Inspect the keel bolts and the internal grid for any signs of "smile" cracks at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint, which may indicate a history of groundings in rocky archipelago waters.
• Deck Core Delamination: Like many boats of this vintage, the S 30 uses a sandwich construction in the deck for stiffness. Soft spots around the chainplates or stanchion bases suggest water ingress into the core, a common but labor-intensive repair.

Community & Resources

The S 30 enjoys a dedicated following, particularly in Northern Europe and the Great Lakes region of North America. The most prominent resource for technical data, original drawings, and replacement parts is the S30-förbundet, based in Sweden. This association maintains a comprehensive archive of the boat's evolution and organizes annual regattas that keep the class competitive. In Germany, the S30-Klassenvereinigung provides similar support for owners in Central Europe.

The Verdict

The Reimers S 30 is a "sailor's sailboat," built for those who value the aesthetic of the sea and the purity of upwind performance over the modern demand for interior volume. It is a testament to the era when Fiskars balanced industrial scale with the artistry of Knud Reimers.

Pros

• Exquisite Aesthetics: One of the most beautiful production boats ever built, with a timeless, low-profile silhouette.
• Superior Upwind Performance: Able to point higher and move faster in light air than almost any contemporary cruiser of its size.
• Robust Build: The Fiskars heritage ensures a hull that, if well-maintained, can handle decades of spirited sailing.

Cons

• Cramped Interior: The 2.5-meter beam makes for a very tight cabin with limited headroom and storage.
• Initial Tenderness: The narrow hull heels quickly, which may be disconcerting for nervous passengers.
• Age-Related Maintenance: Buyers must be prepared to address 1970s-era GRP issues and specialized rigging needs.