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27data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this MERCATOR 30 buyer’s report
MERCATOR 30

MERCATOR 30

Mercator· Design: Neil Parmentier
$18,000 avg$18,000 – $18,000 (1 listings)from 197038 built
$1.5K – $4.0K est. annual maintenance
Bluewater CruisermonoMasthead SloopFin

Specifications

Hull

LOA30 ft
LWL24.5 ft
Beam8.83 ft
Draft5 ft
Displacement10,000 lb
Ballast4,300 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL6.6 kn

About the MERCATOR 30

Also known as OFFSHORE 30 or MERCATOR OFFSHORE 30. See OFFSHORE 30 (MERCATOR) for more details.

Sailpages Buyer's Take

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

Comfort32.5
Capsize1.64
SA/Disp14.5
Disp/Len304
Bal/Disp43.0

Market Price

Low
$18,000
Average
$18,000
High
$18,000
Based on 1 listings across 1 marketplace

Estimated Cost of Ownership

Based on 30ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$1.5K – $4.0K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Annual Insurance
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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.

1 critical3 major
Keel1Rigging1Deck1Rudder1

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?

Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.

Used sails that fit the MERCATOR 30

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