Design and Construction
The solid hull laminate shows a wetted surface near 258 square feet. A fin keel drawing 5.09 to 5.39 feet by load admits her to most marinas, with an immersion rate about 798 pounds per inch. The skeg-hung rudder and 1.93 capsize screening value sit within accepted offshore ranges, and a motion comfort ratio of 26.8 signals an easy, deliberate passage motion.
Rig and Handling
The Van de Stadt 30 carries more rig than 98 percent of comparable sailboats, read as significantly overrigged. Her masthead rig shows a sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 14.9, or 17.8 with a 135 percent genoa. Halyards run 90 feet at 3/8 inch; the mainsheet is 77.7 feet of 1/2 inch. Theoretical hull speed is 6.3 knots.
Accommodations
The 10.27-foot beam and 22.3-foot waterline give a moderate footprint, not later wide-body volume. The 105-gallon diesel capacity is large for a 31-footer and points to long-range cruising.
Known Issues
No structural defects, osmotic problems, rigging failures, or drainage faults specific to this model appear in the available material.
Refits and Ownership
Van de Stadt left active leadership in 1978, after which Cees van Tongeren took the drawing office. Solid-hull construction means no cored moisture path to chase; the diesel capacity rewards fuel-system upkeep.
The Verdict
A heavy, solid offshore sloop from the early partnership years, built for passage comfort and marina access.
Pros
- Solid fiberglass hull with no cored laminate to degrade
- Lead-ballasted fin keel with moderate 5-foot draft for marina access
- Large diesel capacity supporting extended cruising range
- Capsize screening and comfort ratios consistent with offshore intent
Cons
- Base sail-area-to-displacement ratio is modest without a large genoa
- Ultra-heavy displacement limits light-air performance
