MELGES 30
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 31.83 ft |
| LWL | 28.5 ft |
| Beam | 9.83 ft |
| Draft | 7 ft/ 4 ft min |
| Displacement | 3,800 lb |
| Ballast | 1,600.2 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.2 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 36.91 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 10.69 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 38.05 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 15.48 ft |
| FLforestay | 10.7 ft |
| Mainsail | 515.3 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 197.3 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 335.4 sq ft |
About the MELGES 30
Retractable keel, removable rudder, articulating sprit. Replaced by the MELGES 32.
Designed by Reichel/Pugh and built by Melges Boatworks (USA) between 1996 and 1999, the Melges 30 is a high-performance racer-cruiser with a production run of only 18 hulls. Its lightweight displacement of 3800.0 lb and high sail area-to-displacement ratio of 32.41 reflect its focus on speed and agility rather than heavy offshore comfort.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for competitive coastal racers and performance-oriented day sailors who prioritize acceleration and handling over heavy bluewater cruising capabilities. It appeals to owners willing to maintain a high-performance fractional sloop rig and manage the specific maintenance demands of a low-volume, specialized hull.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 2.52 and a comfort ratio of 9.48, the Melges 30 is primarily a coastal racer with limited bluewater capability due to its light displacement and performance-oriented hull form. Owners report significant structural concerns, particularly regarding the keel and deck core, which must be addressed before considering any extended offshore passages.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the J/30 and the O'Day 302, as they share similar length overall (31.83 ft) and fractional sloop rigs from the same era. However, the Melges 30 distinguishes itself with a significantly lower displacement (3800.0 lb vs. typical 6000+ lb for comparables) and a much higher sail area-to-displacement ratio (32.41), making it faster but less stable.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(1 certificate)
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 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 6.1 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.4 | 7.5 | 7.6 | 7.8 |
| 60° | 6.4 | 7.1 | 7.5 | 7.7 | 7.8 | 7.9 | 8.2 |
| 75° | 6.7 | 7.3 | 7.9 | 8.2 | 8.5 | 8.6 | 9.1 |
| 90° | 6.6 | 7.3 | 8.0 | 8.7 | 9.1 | 9.4 | 9.8 |
| 110° | 6.5 | 7.4 | 8.0 | 8.6 | 9.0 | 9.9 | 11.3 |
| 120° | 6.4 | 7.4 | 8.3 | 8.9 | 9.6 | 10.2 | 11.4 |
| 135° | 5.8 | 7.0 | 7.9 | 9.0 | 10.1 | 11.2 | 12.9 |
| 150° | 4.9 | 6.1 | 7.0 | 7.9 | 8.8 | 10.0 | 13.2 |
| Beat VMG | 4.0 | 4.8 | 5.1 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| Run VMG | 4.2 | 5.3 | 6.1 | 6.8 | 7.6 | 8.6 | 11.4 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the MELGES 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 31.83ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
19 reported issues across 8 systems for the MELGES 30, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a MELGES 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 19 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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Which engine powers your MELGES 30?
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Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the MELGES 30
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