The Hustler 30 Sailboat
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The Hustler 30, an ultra-heavy masthead sloop, was designed by Holman & Pye and built in the UK by the Tyler Boat Company during the 1970s.

A Hustler 30 sailboat moored on the UK's River Tamar with the Cornish shore in the background.A Hustler 30

Published Specification for the Hustler 30

Underwater Profile: Fin keel & skeg-hung rudder

Hull Material: GRP (Fibreglass)

Length Overall: 30'0" (9.1m)

Waterline Length: 22'8" (6.9m)

Beam: 9'2" (2.8m)

Draft: 5'7" (1.7m)

Rig Type: Masthead sloop

Displacement: 9,590lb (4,350kg)

Ballast: 4,537lb (2,058kg)

Designer: Holman & Pye

Builder: Tyler Boat Company (UK)

Year First Built: 1970

Year Last Built: 1976

Number Built: 84


Published Design Ratios for the Hustler 30

1. Sail Area/Displacement Ratio: 14.8

  • Less than 16 would be considered under-powered;
  • 16 to 20 would indicate reasonably good performance;
  • Over 20 suggests relatively high performance.

2. Ballast/Displacement Ratio: 47.3

  • Under 40: less stiff, less powerful
  • Over 40: stiffer, more powerful

3. Displacement/Length Ratio: 367

  • Under 100: Ultralight
  • 100 to 200: Light
  • 200 to 275: Moderate
  • 275 to 350: Heavy
  • Over 350: Ultraheavy

4. Comfort Ratio: 31.2

  • Under 20 indicates a lightweight racing boat
  • 20 to 30 indicates a coastal cruiser
  • 30 to 40 indicates a moderate offshore cruising boat
  • 40 to 50 indicates a heavy offshore boat
  • Over 50 indicates an extremely heavy offshore boat

5. Capsize Screening Formula: 1.7

  • Under 2.0 (the lower the better): Better suited for ocean passages
  • Over 2.0: Less suited for ocean passages

Read more about these Key Performance Indicators...


Summary Analysis of the Design Ratios for the Hustler 30

1. A Sail Area/Displacement Ratio of just 14.8 suggests that the Hustler 30 will need a stiff breeze to get her going. In light conditions, unless you've got plenty of time on your hands, motor-sailing may be the way to go.

2. A Ballast/Displacement Ratio of 47.3 means that the Hustler 30 will stand up well to her canvas in a blow, helping her to power through the waves.

3. A Displacement/Length Ratio of 367, tells us the Hustler 30 is firmly in the ultra-heavy displacement category. Load her up as much as you like and her performance will be hardly affected, not that it was ever startling. Few if any sailboats are built to this displacement category these days - but they remain popular with some long-distance sailors.

4. Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio of 31.2 suggests that crew comfort of a Hustler 30 in a seaway is similar to what you would associate with the motion of a moderate bluewater cruising boat - a predictable and acceptable motion for most seasoned sailors.

5. The Capsize Screening Formula (CSF) of 1.7 indicates that a Hustler 30 would be a safer choice of sailboat for an ocean passage than one with a CSF of more than 2.0. 

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