ELITE 30
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 31 ft |
| LWL | 24.67 ft |
| Beam | 10.83 ft |
| Draft | 5.58 ft |
| Displacement | 5,732 lb |
| Ballast | 2,314.9 lb |
| Material | 17.0 |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.7 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 32.32 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 10 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 36.8 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 13.5 ft |
| FLforestay | 10 ft |
| Mainsail | 429.9 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 161.6 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 274.7 sq ft |
Accommodation
| Cabins | 1 |
| Berths | 4 |
| Heads | 5 |
| Water | 23.8 L |
| Fuel | 6.6 L |
| CE category | N/A€ |
About the ELITE 30
The prototype for the ELITE 30 was winner of the 1983 Int. 1/2 ton cup. It is thought that the FEELING 850, ELITE 29 & 30 are based on the same hull design.
Designed by Philippe Briand and built by Kirie (FRA) between 1984–1990, the Elite 30 is a performance-oriented cruiser with 300 hulls produced. Its fractional sloop rig and fin keel configuration reflect a design philosophy focused on speed and handling, though owners report significant structural maintenance challenges.
- Best for:
- This boat suits experienced coastal cruisers and short-handed sailors who prioritize performance and are prepared for rigorous structural maintenance. It is less ideal for novice owners seeking a low-maintenance 'turn-key' vessel due to the prevalence of critical deck and mast step issues.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 5732.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.42, the Elite 30 is moderately capable offshore, but its bluewater suitability is severely compromised by critical reports of deck core moisture and compression post rot that require extensive structural repair before long-range cruising.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Beneteau First 30 and O'Day 302, which share similar fractional sloop rigs and performance-oriented hull forms from the same era. These models offer similar sailing characteristics but may present different structural failure modes compared to the Elite's specific balsa core and mast step vulnerabilities.
Direct variant of the ELITE 30
Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the ELITE 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 31ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
13 reported issues across 7 systems for the ELITE 30, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a ELITE 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 13 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 ELITE 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.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Volvo Penta, Universal, Atomic 4 — is it one of these?
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the ELITE 30
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…