Design and Construction
The designer treated the Sunbeam 30 as having an average hull form, neither radical nor bloated. Its length-to-beam ratio is 3.08, and the layout is roomier than half of comparable designs.
Wetted surface below the waterline is about 26 square meters, or 279 square feet. Draft varies with load from about 1.50 to 1.60 meters, or 4.92 to 5.22 feet. The immersion rate is about 179 kilograms per centimeter, equivalently 1007 pounds per inch. The keel type is unknown.
Rig and Handling
The sail area-displacement ratio is 18.97. The capsize screening value is 1.96; by that formula alone, the boat could be accepted to participate in ocean races.
The jib and genoa sheets are each about 9.1 meters long and 12 millimeters in diameter. The mainsheet is 22.8 meters long, while the spinnaker sheet is 20.0 meters; both have the same 12-millimeter diameter.
Accommodations
The Sunbeam 30 has five berths, fitting its moderate length and its roomier-than-half comparison with similar designs.
Engine and Saildrive
The Sunbeam 30 may be fitted with an inboard engine. Where one is installed, the transmission is a saildrive. A saildrive leg sits below the waterline and requires periodic seal inspection.
Known Issues
The keel type isn’t documented in the available record. Beyond that uncertainty, the only caution noted here concerns the saildrive transmission and its need for periodic seal inspection.
Verdict
The Sunbeam 30 is a competent, middle-of-the-road cruiser. Its figures describe a balanced hull and manageable draft, while its capsize screening value clears the formula threshold for participation in ocean races. Below, it offers five berths and a layout roomier than half of comparable designs.
Pros
- Capsize screening value of 1.96, clearing ocean-race formula thresholds
- Draft of 4.92 to 5.22 feet, keeping it in most marinas
- Five berths and an interior roomier than half of comparable designs
- Sail area-displacement ratio of 18.97 for able cruising performance
Cons
- Keel type isn’t documented in the available record
- Where an inboard is fitted, the saildrive transmission requires periodic underwater-seal service
