Review of Sunwind 30

The boat is equipped with a galley and toilet facility.

The Sunwind 30 is equipped with a fractional rig. A fractional rig has smaller headsails which make tacking easier, which is an advantage for cruisers and racers, of course. The downside is that having the wind from behind often requires a gennaker or a spinnaker for optimal speed.

The Sunwind 30 has been built with different keel alternatives.

Fin keel

One option is a fin keel. A boat with a fin keel is more manoeuvrable but has less directional stability than a similar boat with a full keel.

The keel is made of lead. Compared with iron, lead has the advantage of being 44% heavier, which allows a smaller keel and hence less water resistance and higher speed.

The boat can only enter major marinas as the draft is about 1.90 - 2.00 meter (6.23 - 6.53 ft) dependent on the load. See immersion rate below.

Unknown keel type

Sunwind 30 can enter even shallow marinas as the draft is just about 1.40 - 1.50 meter (4.59 - 4.89 ft) dependent on the load. See immersion rate below.

Wing keel

But be aware that even though a Wing Keel keel is very good for speed racing, a fishing nets and the like in the water can easily make you into a troublesome situation.

The boat can enter even shallow marinas as the draft is just about 1.15 - 1.25 meter (3.77 - 4.07 ft) dependent on the load. See immersion rate below.

The Sunwind 30 has been equipped with different engine alternatives.

Alternative 1:

The boat may be equipped with an inboard Volvo Penta 2002 diesel engine

Alternative 2:

Sunwind 30 may be equipped with an inboard Volvo Penta 2001 diesel engine at 9 hp (6 kW). The speed is 5.5 knots.

The fuel tank has a capacity of 35.0 liters (9 US gallons, 7 imperial gallons).

What is Capsize Screening Formula (CSF)?

The capsize screening value for Sunwind 30 is 1.95, indicating that this boat could - if evaluated by this formula alone - be accepted to participate in ocean races.

What is Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed?

The theoretical maximal speed of a displacement boat of this length is 6.9 knots. The term "Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed" is widely used even though a boat can sail faster. The term shall be interpreted as above the theoretical speed a great additional power is necessary for a small gain in speed.

The immersion rate is defined as the weight required to sink the boat a certain level. The immersion rate for Sunwind 30 is about 152 kg/cm, alternatively 853 lbs/inch.
Meaning: if you load 152 kg cargo on the boat then it will sink 1 cm. Alternatively, if you load 853 lbs cargo on the boat it will sink 1 inch.

What is Motion Comfort Ratio (MCR)?

The Motion Comfort Ratio for Sunwind 30 is 19.6.

What is L/B (Length Beam Ratio)?

The l/b ratio for Sunwind 30 is 3.28.

What is a Ballast Ratio?

The ballast ratio for Sunwind 30 is 45%.

What is Displacement Length Ratio?

The DL-ratio for Sunwind 30 is 164 which categorizes this boat among 'light racers'.

What is Relative Speed Performance?

The Relative Speed Performance for Sunwind 30 is 85

When buying anti-fouling bottom paint, it's nice to know how much to buy. The surface of the wet bottom is about 29m² (312 ft²).
Based on this, your favourite maritime shop can tell you the quantity you need.

Note: If you use a paint roller you will need more paint than if you use a paintbrush.

If you need to renew parts of your running rig and is not quite sure of the dimensions, you may find the estimates computed below useful.

This section is reserved boat owner's modifications, improvements, etc. Here you might find (or contribute with) inspiration for your boat.

Do you have changes/improvements you would like to share? Upload a photo and describe what you have done.

We are always looking for new photos. If you can contribute with photos for Sunwind 30 it would be a great help.

If you have any comments to the review, improvement suggestions, or the like, feel free to contact us. Criticism helps us to improve.