CARTER 30
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 29.75 ft |
| LWL | 23 ft |
| Beam | 10.08 ft |
| Draft | 5.5 ft |
| Displacement | 7,300 lb |
| Ballast | 2,976.2 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.4 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 37.5 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 12.25 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 32.5 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 9.5 ft |
| FLforestay | 12.3 ft |
| Mainsail | 396.4 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 229.7 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 390.5 sq ft |
About the CARTER 30
Later versions were built by Strettin in Poland, and an unknown builder in Japan. It is thought that at least 300 were built.
Designed by Dick Carter and built by Carter Offshore/Northshore Yachts (UK) from 1972–1990, the Carter 30 is a robust 29.75 ft coastal cruiser with 300 hulls produced. Its heavy displacement of 7300.0 lb and fin keel configuration provide a stable platform, though owners frequently report structural concerns regarding the keel sump and deck integrity.
- Best for:
- This boat suits experienced coastal cruisers and those seeking a sturdy, traditional sailing experience, provided they are prepared for significant maintenance of aging composite structures. It is less ideal for novice single-handers due to the critical nature of common structural failures like rudder shafts and deck cores.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a D/L ratio of 267.85 and a capsize ratio of 2.08, the Carter 30 possesses the heavy displacement and stability required for offshore passages, though its bluewater readiness is contingent on verifying the integrity of the keel sump and rudder assembly.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Hallberg-Rassy 32 and the Tartan 30, which share similar heavy-displacement characteristics and production eras. These vessels offer similar cruising comfort but may present different maintenance profiles regarding deck construction and keel attachment.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(15 certificates)
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° | 3.3 | 4.5 | 5.3 | 5.8 | 6.0 | 6.2 | 6.2 | 6.2 | 6.2 |
| 60° | 3.5 | 4.7 | 5.5 | 5.9 | 6.2 | 6.3 | 6.4 | 6.4 | 6.4 |
| 75° | 3.6 | 4.8 | 5.7 | 6.1 | 6.3 | 6.5 | 6.6 | 6.7 | 6.8 |
| 90° | 3.5 | 4.8 | 5.6 | 6.1 | 6.4 | 6.6 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.1 |
| 110° | 3.5 | 4.8 | 5.8 | 6.3 | 6.6 | 6.8 | 7.0 | 7.3 | 7.4 |
| 120° | 3.4 | 4.7 | 5.7 | 6.2 | 6.6 | 6.9 | 7.1 | 7.5 | 7.8 |
| 135° | 3.1 | 4.3 | 5.2 | 6.0 | 6.4 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.6 | 8.2 |
| 150° | 2.6 | 3.7 | 4.7 | 5.5 | 6.1 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 7.3 | 7.9 |
| Beat VMG | 2.1 | 2.9 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.3 |
| Run VMG | 2.2 | 3.2 | 4.0 | 4.8 | 5.4 | 5.9 | 6.3 | 6.8 | 7.4 |
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
7 listings · boat years 1975–2007 · median $13,970
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 29.75ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
26 reported issues across 9 systems for the CARTER 30, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CARTER 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 26 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 CARTER 30?
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Used sails that fit the CARTER 30
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