CONTROVERSY 30
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 31.17 ft |
| LWL | 26.67 ft |
| Beam | 5.42 ft |
| Draft | 5.25 ft |
| Displacement | 11,100 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.9 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 36.4 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 11.7 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 31.3 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 14 ft |
| FLforestay | 11.7 ft |
| Mainsail | 449.6 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 212.9 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 362 sq ft |
About the CONTROVERSY 30
The Controversy 30 is a classic 1960s cruiser designed by E. F. Butler and built by Mount Desert Yacht Yard (USA) in 1960. With a displacement of 11100.0 lb and a comfort ratio of 64.38, this vessel represents a substantial, heavy-displacement design from the early era of American fiberglass production.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize a comfortable, motion-dampened ride over high-speed performance. Its heavy displacement and moderate sail area make it ideal for relaxed cruising rather than racing.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 0.97 and a displacement of 11100.0 lb, the Controversy 30 exhibits strong inherent stability and offshore potential, though its age and single-year production run suggest careful verification of structural integrity is required for serious bluewater use.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include other early 1960s American fin-keel sloops such as the Pearson 30 or C&C 30, which share similar dimensions and a focus on seaworthiness over speed. These boats are comparable due to their similar era, builder reputation, and heavy-displacement cruising philosophy.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the CONTROVERSY 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 31.17ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
We don't have enough data on the CONTROVERSY 30yet to publish model-specific findings we'd stand behind — but here's a free general inspection checklist, built from our research into what actually goes wrong on boats of this kind.
Drawn from 7,029 documented issues across 2,391 models, ordered so the areas that most often turn up problems come first.
Own a CONTROVERSY 30? Reports from owners are what turn this into a model-specific checklist — and they're the reason the boats above it have one.
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your CONTROVERSY 30?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the CONTROVERSY 30
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…