CONTENTION 30 (PETERSON)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 29.66 ft |
| LWL | 23.88 ft |
| Beam | 10.29 ft |
| Draft | 5.66 ft |
| Displacement | 5,732 lb |
| Ballast | 3,086.1 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.5 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 37.76 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 12.01 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 32.51 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 9.48 ft |
| FLforestay | 12 ft |
| Mainsail | 393.2 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 226.8 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 385.5 sq ft |
About the CONTENTION 30 (PETERSON)
IOR 1/2 ton. Dimensions from factory brochure. (Southern Ocean Shipyard Ltd.)
Designed by Doug Peterson and built by Southern Ocean Ltd (UK) between 1977 and 1980, the Contention 30 is a rare production with only 30 hulls constructed. This compact, heavy-displacement cruiser-racer is defined by its substantial ballast ratio and robust construction, though its age and specific build characteristics demand careful scrutiny.
- Best for:
- This boat suits experienced coastal cruisers and short-handed sailors who prioritize seakindliness and structural integrity over raw speed, as evidenced by the high prevalence of solar panel and watermaker installations indicating self-sufficient cruising.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 5732.0 lb and a low capsize ratio of 2.3, the Contention 30 is inherently stable and well-suited for offshore passages, provided critical structural components like the keel and deck are sound.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other late-1970s British-built heavy displacement cruisers like the Hallberg-Rassy 35 or Oyster 36, the Contention 30 shares their emphasis on safety and comfort, though it is significantly smaller and rarer.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(2 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 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 4.5 | 5.4 | 5.9 | 6.2 | 6.3 | 6.4 | 6.4 |
| 60° | 4.8 | 5.6 | 6.1 | 6.3 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.6 |
| 75° | 5.0 | 5.8 | 6.2 | 6.5 | 6.7 | 6.8 | 7.0 |
| 90° | 4.9 | 5.9 | 6.3 | 6.5 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.3 |
| 110° | 5.0 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 7.1 | 7.3 | 7.5 |
| 120° | 4.8 | 5.9 | 6.4 | 6.7 | 7.1 | 7.4 | 7.8 |
| 135° | 4.5 | 5.4 | 6.2 | 6.5 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.9 |
| 150° | 3.8 | 4.8 | 5.6 | 6.2 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 7.5 |
| Beat VMG | 3.0 | 3.6 | 4.1 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Run VMG | 3.3 | 4.1 | 4.9 | 5.5 | 6.1 | 6.4 | 7.0 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the CONTENTION 30 (PETERSON) 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 29.66ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
10 reported issues across 7 systems for the CONTENTION 30 (PETERSON), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CONTENTION 30 (PETERSON)? 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
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your CONTENTION 30 (PETERSON)?
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Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Universal, Atomic 4 — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the CONTENTION 30 (PETERSON)
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