Design and Construction
The S30 is a monohull with a solid-fiberglass hull and solid-fiberglass deck. Her hull length is 9.27 m, and her maximum beam is 3.28 m.
Buyers could choose between a “T” shape fixed keel drawing 1.65 m and a “T” shape lifting keel with draft ranging from 0.80 m to 1.80 m. This choice allows owners to match the boat’s underwater profile to their cruising style. The lifting-keel version carries 750 kg of iron ballast, while the fixed-keel variant carries between 900 and 1200 kg.
Displacement ranges from roughly 2,950 kg to 3,500 kg, depending on keel choice. With the heavier of her two keel options, the boat weighs about 3.5 tonnes.
One review noted a rippling effect where the forward coachroof met the foredeck. It looked as though internal reinforcement was showing through, but the reviewer judged it to be purely cosmetic.
Rig, Engine, and Handling
Under sail, the S30 is agile, stable, and responsive, inspiring confidence in varied conditions. Her fractional sloop rig carries either a 22.90 m² standard-roach mainsail or a 25.00 m² top-square main. The self-tacking genoa is offered in 18.30 m² or 21.50 m² versions, while gennaker options are 69.00 m² or 75.00 m².
Listed engine options include a 15 hp sail drive or a 15 hp outboard. European base models came with a 9.1 hp saildrive aimed at lake sailing, with 15 hp and 20 hp upgrades available. UK boats supplied with the cruising pack typically carried a 20 hp saildrive.
One period tester felt that some of the rigging and deck hardware was a size below what might be found on a much older Westerly Fulmar.
Accommodation
Below decks, the S30 sleeps six and provides interior volume comparable with other 30-footers. The bright, moulded GRP headlining is easy to maintain. Because it’s bonded in place, however, owners can’t simply remove it to run new wiring—a small annoyance noted by reviewers.
The aft cabin is entered from the starboard side and is unusually large, at about 8 ft square. That generous berth is a welcome feature in port, although one reviewer identified it as a freefall liability on an offshore passage.
Equipment and Ownership
Owners moving up from the Viko S21 will recognize the S30’s layout language and construction approach. The UK cruising pack included heating, hot water, lazyjacks, an anchoring kit, and a larger engine, easing the baseline-equipment question for many buyers.
The choice between fixed and lifting keels gives owners useful flexibility. On a used S30, the particular boat’s draft should be checked against the buyer’s intended cruising ground.
Known Issues
The forward coachroof ripple reported by one reviewer was considered cosmetic rather than structural. The bonded headlining can complicate future wire routing, while the very large aft berth offers little restraint in a seaway despite being a boon at anchor. Some of the rigging and deck hardware may also feel light for a boat of this size.
The Verdict
The Viko S30 is a thoughtfully packaged small cruiser that trades a little hardware heft for interior volume, cabin comfort, and an adaptable choice of keel. She carries a CE Category B rating, covering offshore use in up to 40 knots and 4 m seas. Realistically, that places a Channel crossing or a week in the Scillies within scope.
Pros
- Fixed- or lifting-keel options for different cruising grounds, including draft-limited waters
- Six berths and a notably spacious aft cabin
- Bright interior with low-maintenance moulded headlining
- CE Category B offshore rating
Cons
- Some deck hardware feels light for the boat’s size
- Fixed headlining complicates rewiring
- Oversized aft berth lacks restraint in a seaway
