HENDERSON 30
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 30.83 ft |
| LWL | 28.75 ft |
| Beam | 9.83 ft |
| Draft | 7 ft/ 1.75 ft min |
| Displacement | 3,850 lb |
| Ballast | 1,749.8 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.2 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 37.11 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 11.04 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 38.17 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 14.43 ft |
| FLforestay | 11 ft |
| Mainsail | 502.3 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 204.9 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 637.6 sq ft |
About the HENDERSON 30
The HENDERSON 30 features a masthead spinnaker with retractable, articulating sprit(prod), and a retractable outboard housing.
Designed by Glenn Henderson and built by SOCA Sailboats in Trinidad from 1997–2000, the Henderson 30 is a rare fractional sloop with only 30 hulls produced. Its lightweight displacement of 3850.0 lb and high SA/D ratio of 31.35 define it as a performance-oriented coastal cruiser rather than a heavy bluewater trawler.
- Best for:
- This boat suits active coastal cruisers and short-handed sailors who prioritize sailing performance and ease of handling over heavy offshore endurance. Its fractional rig and relatively light displacement make it ideal for those seeking a responsive, easy-to-sail package for bay and coastal waters.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low D/L ratio of 72.33 and a capsize ratio of 2.51, the Henderson 30 is not ideally suited for extended bluewater passages due to its light displacement and narrow beam relative to its length. Owners report significant structural concerns, particularly regarding the keel and deck core, which further limit its offshore credibility without extensive reinforcement.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Beneteau First 30 and O'Day 302, which share similar fractional sloop rigs and performance-focused designs from the late 1990s. These models offer similar LOA dimensions and target the same market of sailors seeking a balance between speed and manageable size.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(8 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° | 4.6 | 6.0 | 6.8 | 7.2 | 7.4 | 7.5 | 7.6 | 7.8 | 7.8 |
| 60° | 4.9 | 6.3 | 7.0 | 7.4 | 7.6 | 7.8 | 7.9 | 8.1 | 8.2 |
| 75° | 5.1 | 6.4 | 7.1 | 7.6 | 8.0 | 8.3 | 8.5 | 8.8 | 9.0 |
| 90° | 4.9 | 6.3 | 7.0 | 7.6 | 8.1 | 8.6 | 9.1 | 9.7 | 10.2 |
| 110° | 5.0 | 6.5 | 7.4 | 8.0 | 8.5 | 9.0 | 9.5 | 10.6 | 12.0 |
| 120° | 4.9 | 6.4 | 7.3 | 8.1 | 8.9 | 9.5 | 10.1 | 11.4 | 12.7 |
| 135° | 4.2 | 5.8 | 6.9 | 7.7 | 8.6 | 9.6 | 10.9 | 13.1 | 14.9 |
| 150° | 3.5 | 4.9 | 6.0 | 6.9 | 7.7 | 8.4 | 9.4 | 12.6 | 16.0 |
| Beat VMG | 2.9 | 4.0 | 4.8 | 5.2 | 5.4 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.6 | 5.5 |
| Run VMG | 3.0 | 4.2 | 5.2 | 6.0 | 6.7 | 7.3 | 8.1 | 10.9 | 13.8 |
Estimated Value
Limited DataEstimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 30.83ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
23 reported issues across 8 systems for the HENDERSON 30, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a HENDERSON 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 23 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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