BABA 30
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 29.75 ft |
| LWL | 24.5 ft |
| Beam | 10.25 ft |
| Draft | 4.75 ft |
| Displacement | 12,500 lb |
| Ballast | 5,000 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.6 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 39.5 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 14.9 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 35 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 12 ft |
| FLforestay | 14.9 ft |
| Mainsail | 521.1 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 294.3 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 500.3 sq ft |
About the BABA 30
First (30) boats were built by Shing Sheng Ltd. Later built by Ta Shing? Delivered with Westerbeke, Yanmar, and others. aka FLYING DUTCHMAN BABA 30 (1981).
Designed by Robert Perry and built by Shing Sheng Ltd. in TAIWAN from 1976–1986, the BABA 30 is a robust cutter-rigged cruiser with 170 hulls produced. Its full/long keel and 12500.0 lb displacement provide a stable, comfortable platform favored for its traditional aesthetics and seakeeping abilities.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and those seeking a traditional, full-keel design for relaxed offshore passages, particularly owners willing to perform diligent maintenance on its aging systems.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.77 and a comfort ratio of 33.38, the BABA 30 is well-suited for bluewater cruising, offering excellent stability and motion comfort in heavy seas.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Cal 30 and O'Day 302, which share similar production eras and full-keel cutter configurations, offering comparable interior volumes and traditional sailing characteristics.
Performance
Estimated Value
Limited DataEstimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 29.75ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
27 reported issues across 9 systems for the BABA 30, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a BABA 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 27 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
Similar Sailboats
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Used sails that fit the BABA 30
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