ADHARA 30
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 29.89 ft |
| LWL | 25.5 ft |
| Beam | 10.67 ft |
| Draft | 5.75 ft |
| Displacement | 4,800 lb |
| Ballast | 2,199.8 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.8 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 40.84 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 12.07 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 36.25 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 12.25 ft |
| FLforestay | 12.1 ft |
| Mainsail | 486.3 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 246.5 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 419 sq ft |
About the ADHARA 30
Designed as MORC 'maxi', the ADHARA 30 is sometimes called the DENCHO 30 and an evolution of the the slightly earlier PINNACLE 29/30. In addition to the 3 standard boats, 1 stretched 33' version also came from the same mold. Thanks to 'SPB' for providing additional information.
The Adhara 30 is a rare, lightweight coastal cruiser designed by Doug Peterson and built by Dencho Marine in the USA between 1985 and 1986, with only 3 hulls constructed. Its low displacement of 4800.0 lb and high sail area-to-displacement ratio of 26.39 indicate a performance-oriented design that prioritizes speed over heavy offshore stability.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for active coastal cruisers and day sailors who value agility and performance in protected waters, rather than long-distance bluewater passagemaking. Its light displacement and fin keel configuration make it ideal for owners seeking a responsive, easy-to-handle sloop for weekend trips and local racing.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 2.53 and a comfort ratio of 11.82, the Adhara 30 is not ideally suited for extended bluewater voyages due to its light displacement and lack of heavy ballast. Owners report it performs well in coastal conditions, but its structural integrity and stability in heavy offshore weather are concerns given the critical nature of reported hull and rigging issues.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Catalina 30 and O'Day 30, which share similar beam dimensions and masthead sloop rigs from the same era. However, the Adhara distinguishes itself with a significantly lower displacement and higher sail area ratio, making it more akin to performance-oriented designs like the Pearson 303 than traditional heavy cruisers.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(1 certificate)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 4.2 | 5.5 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 6.9 | 7.0 | 7.1 | 7.2 | 7.2 |
| 60° | 4.5 | 5.8 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 7.1 | 7.2 | 7.3 | 7.4 | 7.5 |
| 75° | 4.6 | 5.9 | 6.5 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 7.6 | 7.9 | 8.0 |
| 90° | 4.5 | 5.8 | 6.5 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.6 | 7.9 | 8.3 | 8.7 |
| 110° | 4.0 | 5.4 | 6.4 | 7.0 | 7.4 | 7.8 | 8.2 | 8.8 | 9.4 |
| 120° | 3.9 | 5.3 | 6.3 | 6.9 | 7.3 | 7.8 | 8.3 | 9.6 | 11.0 |
| 135° | 3.4 | 4.8 | 5.8 | 6.6 | 7.0 | 7.5 | 8.0 | 9.6 | 12.9 |
| 150° | 2.8 | 4.0 | 5.1 | 6.0 | 6.6 | 7.1 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 11.0 |
| Beat VMG | 2.7 | 3.7 | 4.4 | 4.9 | 5.1 | 5.2 | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Run VMG | 2.4 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 5.3 | 5.9 | 6.4 | 6.8 | 7.6 | 9.5 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the ADHARA 30 yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 29.89ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
10 reported issues across 5 systems for the ADHARA 30, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a ADHARA 30? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 10 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
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Which engine powers your ADHARA 30?
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Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the ADHARA 30
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