
MERCATOR 30
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 30 ft |
| LWL | 24.5 ft |
| Beam | 8.83 ft |
| Draft | 5 ft |
| Displacement | 10,000 lb |
| Ballast | 4,300 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.6 kn |
About the MERCATOR 30
Also known as OFFSHORE 30 or MERCATOR OFFSHORE 30. See OFFSHORE 30 (MERCATOR) for more details.
Designed by Neil Parmentier and built by Mercator, the Mercator 30 is a rare vessel with only 38 hulls built in 1970. Its specifications indicate a heavy-displacement cruiser with a D/L ratio of 303.57 and a comfort ratio of 32.47, suggesting a stable, motion-dampened ride.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and those seeking a heavy, stable platform for relaxed sailing, as indicated by its high displacement of 10000.0 lb and low capsize ratio of 1.64. It is well-suited for owners who prioritize sea-keeping comfort over high-speed performance.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 10000.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 1.64, the Mercator 30 demonstrates strong inherent stability suitable for offshore passages, though its single-year production run limits the breadth of long-term bluewater performance data.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other heavy-displacement fin-keel sloops from the early 1970s, such as the Cal 30 or O'Day 30, due to similar LOA of 30.0 ft and masthead sloop rigging. These boats share a focus on cruising comfort and robust construction typical of that era's design philosophy.
Performance
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 30ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
4 reported issues across 4 systems for the MERCATOR 30, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a MERCATOR 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 4 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 MERCATOR 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, Atomic 4 — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the MERCATOR 30
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…