Tmi 30 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The TMI 30 is a masthead sloop that benefits significantly from Charles Morgan's philosophy of balancing "living volume" with "sailing sweetness." With a displacement-to-length ratio that places it firmly in the medium-displacement cruiser category, the boat is remarkably stiff, a trait attributed to its high ballast-to-displacement ratio. According to technical archives maintained by the Chrysler Sailing Association, the boat was designed with a fin keel and a high-aspect spade rudder, providing a level of responsiveness not typically found in 1970s and early 80s production cruisers.

Under sail, the TMI 30 tracks well upwind, though like many masthead sloops of its era, it requires early reefing—typically when apparent wind speeds hit 15 to 18 knots—to maintain an upright posture and minimize weather helm. Its hull shape, characterized by a relatively flat run aft, allows it to perform respectably on a reach, though it lacks the wetted surface reduction necessary for light-air dominance. For owners, the primary appeal is "sea-kindliness"; the boat handles choppy coastal waters without the jarring motion common in lighter, modern "Beneteau-style" coastal cruisers.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the TMI 30 was considered exceptionally spacious for a 30-foot boat in 1980, boasting a headroom of approximately 6'3" in the main cabin. The layout follows a traditional offshore arrangement: a forward V-berth, a head and hanging locker separating the forward cabin from the salon, and a main salon featuring a U-shaped dinette to port that converts into a double berth. TMI maintained the "T-shaped" cockpit design inherited from Chrysler, which allows the helmsman to move forward easily while keeping the sheets within reach.

Materially, the TMI variants often featured more teak veneer and updated fabrics compared to the earlier Chrysler iterations, though the fundamental fiberglass liner construction remained the same. Sibling models based on similar design philosophies included the TMI 26 (formerly the Chrysler 26), which offered a scaled-down version of the 30's cruising amenities. While some 30-footers of this era feel cramped, the 10-foot beam of the TMI 30 provides enough lateral volume to accommodate a functional galley with a two-burner stove and a dedicated navigation station, making it a viable platform for extended weekend cruising or "pocket" blue-water adventures.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a TMI 30 must approach the vessel with an understanding of early-1980s fiberglass construction techniques. While the hulls are generally overbuilt, several "gotchas" are common to this specific model:

1. Chainplate Leaks and Bulkhead Rot: The chainplates on the TMI 30 pass through the deck and are bolted to the main bulkhead. If the deck seals are not maintained, water migrates into the plywood core of the bulkhead. Buyers should inspect the wood around the chainplate bolts for softening or discoloration.
2. Deck Delamination: Like many boats of this vintage, the TMI 30 uses a balsa-cored deck. Soft spots are frequently found around the mast step and the cockpit sole. A percussion test (tapping with a plastic hammer) is essential during a pre-purchase inspection.
3. The "Morgan Smile": This refers to a vertical crack that can appear at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint. While often cosmetic, it can indicate that the keel bolts require tightening or that the sealant has failed, potentially leading to "weeping" when the boat is hauled out.
4. Rudder Post Play: The spade rudder on the TMI 30 is subject to significant leverage. Over time, the bushings in the rudder port can wear down, leading to a "thumping" sensation in the tiller or wheel.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical data and owner support is the Chrysler Sailing Association, which serves owners of TMI-branded boats due to their shared DNA. This organization maintains an archive of original brochures, parts lists, and technical manuals that are invaluable for restoring or maintaining a TMI 30.

The Verdict

The TMI 30 is a "sleeper" in the used boat market—a well-designed, sturdy cruiser that often sells for less than its competitors simply because the TMI brand name lacks the recognition of Catalina or Pearson. It is an ideal choice for a sailor who appreciates the design pedigree of Charles Morgan and is looking for a robust coastal cruiser with more "soul" than a modern production boat.

Pros:

• Excellent headroom and interior volume for a 30-foot boat.
• Predictable, stiff handling in heavy air.
• Proven Charles Morgan design with classic aesthetics.
• Relatively low entry price on the used market.

Cons:

• Rare model name makes sourcing TMI-specific (non-Chrysler) documentation difficult.
• Susceptible to deck core issues if neglected.
• Standard spade rudder and fin keel may not appeal to those seeking a traditional full-keel cruiser.