KINGFISHER 30
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 30 ft |
| LWL | 25 ft |
| Beam | 9 ft |
| Draft | 3.92 ft |
| Displacement | 8,625 lb |
| Ballast | 1,524 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.7 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Mainsail | 200 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 120 sq ft |
About the KINGFISHER 30
KINGFISHER 30 (Mk1a) 1964 Spade rudder hung through the aft end of the cockpit. Keels missing the plate aft. Keels splayed more than the Mk2. KINGFISHER 30 (Mk1b) 1965 to 1966. Rudder hung through the aft end of the cockpit supported by a skeg. Keels missing the plate aft. Keels splayed more than the Mk2. Single backstay KINGFISHER 30 (Mk1c) 1966 to 1967. Rudder hung through the aft end of the cockpit supported by a skeg. Extra plates fitted to aft of keels. Single backstay although some were modified to twin. KINGFISHER 30 (Mk2) 1967 to 1978. Sail Numbers to 67 Full Skeg rudder, rudder shaft fitted through aft cabin, extra plates added to aft end of keels. Some modifications to later boats included the engine access plate through the cockpit sole KINGFISHER 30s 197x to 1978. Sail Numbers as K30 but with ''S'' at the end of the number. Sail number 60''s'' is the oldest member number. Taller mast and more ballast. Enclosed forecabin shelf. KINGFISHER 30JR Single masted Chinese rig designed by famed H.G."Blondie" Hasler in 1978. Few were produced. KINGFISHER 30JR Schooner, 1972. As K30 Mk2 but a junk rigged schooner. Available with 40 gal. water tank. Sail area: -Main: 200 ft² / 18.58 m² -Jib: 120 ft² / 11.15 m² Genoa: 250 ft² / 23.23 m² Storm jib: 60 ft² / 5.58 m²
The Kingfisher 30 is a classic British cruiser designed by R. A. G. Nierop and built by Westfield Engineering Co. (UK) in 1964. With a displacement of 8625.0 lb and a comfort ratio of 26.94, this vessel represents a specific era of UK boatbuilding, though the exact number of hulls built remains unknown.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize a stable, comfortable ride over high-performance racing, given its moderate SA/D ratio of 17.18 and heavy displacement.
- Bluewater capability:
- While the hull form and displacement suggest offshore capability, the high frequency of keel smile and sump cracking reports (21 mentions) raises significant structural concerns for serious bluewater passage-making without extensive reinforcement.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other 1960s British heavy-displacement cruisers like the Hallberg-Rassy 35 or early Oyster models, the Kingfisher 30 shares a similar focus on seaworthiness and comfort, evidenced by its capsize ratio of 1.76 and D/L ratio of 246.43.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the KINGFISHER 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 30ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
14 reported issues across 7 systems for the KINGFISHER 30, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a KINGFISHER 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 14 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 KINGFISHER 30?
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Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Bukh, Perkins, Universal — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the KINGFISHER 30
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