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66data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this ISLANDER 30 buyer’s report
ISLANDER 30

ISLANDER 30

$17,971 avg$9,000 – $32,000 (7 listings)from 1968
$1.5K – $3.9K est. annual maintenance
Offshore CruisermonoMasthead SloopFin

Specifications

Hull

LOA29.58 ft
LWL23.33 ft
Beam8.83 ft
Draft3.67 ft
Displacement8,400 lb
Ballast2,899.7 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL6.5 kn

Rig & Sails

Iforetriangle height32.8 ft
Jforetriangle base10.8 ft
Pmainsail luff28.5 ft
Emainsail foot12.5 ft
FLforestay10.8 ft
Mainsail369.5 sq ft
Jib (100%)177.1 sq ft
Spinnaker301.1 sq ft

About the ISLANDER 30

The ISLANDER 30 is a raised deck version of the ISLANDER 29. Replaced with an entirely different ISLANDER 30 in 1970. (ISLANDER 30-2).

Sailpages Buyer's Take

The Islander 30 is a classic American cruiser designed by J.H.McGlasson and built by Wayfarer Yacht Corp. / Islander Yachts (USA) in 1968. With a displacement of 8400.0 lb and a D/L ratio of 295.32, it offers a balanced blend of performance and comfort, though the exact number of hulls built remains unconfirmed in available records.

Best for:
This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize a comfortable, stable ride over high-speed racing, making it ideal for couples or small families seeking a manageable masthead sloop for inshore and nearshore passages.
Bluewater capability:
With a capsize ratio of 1.74 and a comfort ratio of 28.3, the Islander 30 demonstrates moderate offshore suitability, providing adequate stability for coastal passages but requiring careful consideration for extended bluewater voyages due to its moderate displacement and fin keel design.
Comparables:
Comparable boats include the Cal 30 and O'Day 30, which share similar production eras, displacement ranges, and masthead sloop configurations, offering buyers alternative options with comparable interior volumes and cruising characteristics.

Performance

Comfort28.3
Capsize1.74
SA/Disp13.8
Disp/Len295
Bal/Disp34.5

Estimated Value

Low Confidence
Based on 7 listings
Low
$9,324
Estimated Value
$15,462
High
$15,889
Inflation-adjusted to 2026 USD

Asking price by model year

7 listings · boat years 19771985 · median $19,900

$0$10k$20k$30k$40kmedian $19,900198019851985 Islander Bahama 30 · $21,000 · Missouri, US1981 Islander Bahama 30 · $32,000 · Michigan, US1983 Islander 30 Bahama · $9,000 · Florida, US1977 Islander 30 · $9,500 · Michigan, US1985 Islander Bahama 30 · $19,900 · Wisconsin, US1982 Islander Bahama 30 · $14,500 · New York, US1981 Islander Bahama 30 · $19,900 · Texas, USAsking price (USD)Boat model year

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 29.58ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$1.5K – $3.9K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

18 reported issues across 7 systems for the ISLANDER 30, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

8 critical7 major3 minor
Structural6Rigging3Keel2Rudder2Deck2Engine2Hull1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a ISLANDER 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 18 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 ISLANDER 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, 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 ISLANDER 30

Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…