Olson 30

[30Man]

I think the 29 tends to nose dive a bit more though so they are not quite as good for transpac, etc.

 

[Daimond]

This one is going to Hawaii in July.

New rudder?

Eliptical after market.

 

[Daimond]

This one is going to Hawaii in July.

In the water or on the trailer ??

 

Or both ?? - now that would be slow.

In the water. They are using the Pac Cup as a delivery race.

 

[Rondog]

That's a shame!

I hate to see the O30's leaving California.

First the Tripps, now this.......

 

[J24_guy]

A friend that is a good sailor (he has circumnavigated the world) but knows nothing about racing has recently bought a sweet Olson 30. I am going to sail with him and organize and train his crew this racing season. I have never sailed this make and would be greatful to anyone that could tell me what this boat likes and what makes it go fast. Also, does anyone have a polar diagram for this boat.

All help and comments appreciated.

The Olson 30 is a small big boat. it sails much faster than its size. I do not have a polar but try Kevin Miller at North Sails, Oxnard, CA. Kevin sailed with Rick, the owner of Perfect Balance, a National Champion. Tell him Joe from Deuces Wild suggested it. Going to weather, particularly in a sea, do not pinch. Keep your speed up. Off the wind keep your chute full and if the wind comes up, start movng crew aft to keep the rudder in the water. The bow wave will move to the front of the cockpit. I have surfed at 23 knots briefly. Of course, keep the weight off the boat.

They seem like cool boats and I know many people love them, but when I borrowed one for a couple of days I couldn't seem to get it moving upwind in chop. The J29s were just burrowing through the waves and the O30 was getting stuck on each one. I can see why these would be spectacular in flat water or at least a more open sea state -- good heavens, for the Transpac, they would be the dog's bollocks -- but not so sure about inshore East Coast racing. I think they're just too light.

 

[clamslapper]

I think the 29 tends to nose dive a bit more though so they are not quite as good for transpac, etc.

Just curious -- why would this be? I thought the hull shape was exactly the same.

Incidentally, these boats -- which are still pretty light in 2012 -- cry out for carbon masts ... are they class legal? ... has anyone ever had one made up?

 

[Joe Olson 30]

A friend that is a good sailor (he has circumnavigated the world) but knows nothing about racing has recently bought a sweet Olson 30. I am going to sail with him and organize and train his crew this racing season. I have never sailed this make and would be greatful to anyone that could tell me what this boat likes and what makes it go fast. Also, does anyone have a polar diagram for this boat.

All help and comments appreciated.

The Olson 30 is a small big boat. it sails much faster than its size. I do not have a polar but try Kevin Miller at North Sails, Oxnard, CA. Kevin sailed with Rick, the owner of Perfect Balance, a National Champion. Tell him Joe from Deuces Wild suggested it. Going to weather, particularly in a sea, do not pinch. Keep your speed up. Off the wind keep your chute full and if the wind comes up, start movng crew aft to keep the rudder in the water. The bow wave will move to the front of the cockpit. I have surfed at 23 knots briefly. Of course, keep the weight off the boat.

They seem like cool boats and I know many people love them, but when I borrowed one for a couple of days I couldn't seem to get it moving upwind in chop. The J29s were just burrowing through the waves and the O30 was getting stuck on each one. I can see why these would be spectacular in flat water or at least a more open sea state -- good heavens, for the Transpac, they would be the dog's bollocks -- but not so sure about inshore East Coast racing. I think they're just too light.

As I pointed out above, in a sea you have to work the boat thru the waves and avoid getting hit flush on the bow with a wave. They are light. To have fun downwind you have to work up-wind.

 

[tswift42]

Refurb this lady a year and half ago, she has been a learning curve for sure but been great fun...But I have to tell you, if you keep her out of the water like I do, watch your ladder, I fell two weeks ago and broke my wrist, "Damn-it", right before the two day regatta weekend...

This pic me and my son in a double-handed race, wind +20, non-spin hitting 10.5 to 11kts, under main and #3 (Learn to pump that rudder, more speed)

The 2nd pick shows that evil ladder; up and down 100 time, 101 about killed me...

New ladder purchase this weekend...

Tom

TX

Zoom #155

/monthly_05_2012/post-42930-096254600%201338495534_thumb.jpg

/monthly_05_2012/post-42930-054859700%201338495623_thumb.jpg

 

[WinchinBritches]

This one is going to Hawaii in July.

In the water or on the trailer ??

 

Or both ?? - now that would be slow.

In the water. They are using the Pac Cup as a delivery race.

Sad to see Weatherly go - we had a nice little O30 fleet up here for awhile...had 4, now with Weatherly leaving and another on the hard we're down to 2, which is still enough for some friendly competition!

 

[WinchinBritches]

That's a shame!

I hate to see the O30's leaving California.

First the Tripps, now this.......

Was actually up in MN...only recently arrived in CA.

 

[K38BOB]

Refurb this lady a year and half ago, she has been a learning curve for sure but been great fun...But I have to tell you, if you keep her out of the water like I do, watch your ladder, I fell two weeks ago and broke my wrist, "Damn-it", right before the two day regatta weekend...

This pic me and my son in a double-handed race, wind +20, non-spin hitting 10.5 to 11kts, under main and #3 (Learn to pump that rudder, more speed)

The 2nd pick shows that evil ladder; up and down 100 time, 101 about killed me...

New ladder purchase this weekend...

Tom

TX

Zoom #155

/monthly_05_2012/post-42930-096254600%201338495534_thumb.jpg

/monthly_05_2012/post-42930-054859700%201338495623_thumb.jpg

A lot of boats have the ladder welded integral part of the trailer - at the bow of course. Always there. Tough to steal. Strong, well anchored.

 

[tswift42]

Refurb this lady a year and half ago, she has been a learning curve for sure but been great fun...But I have to tell you, if you keep her out of the water like I do, watch your ladder, I fell two weeks ago and broke my wrist, "Damn-it", right before the two day regatta weekend...

This pic me and my son in a double-handed race, wind +20, non-spin hitting 10.5 to 11kts, under main and #3 (Learn to pump that rudder, more speed)

The 2nd pick shows that evil ladder; up and down 100 time, 101 about killed me...

New ladder purchase this weekend...

Tom

TX

Zoom #155

/monthly_05_2012/post-42930-096254600%201338495534_thumb.jpg

/monthly_05_2012/post-42930-054859700%201338495623_thumb.jpg

A lot of boats have the ladder welded integral part of the trailer - at the bow of course. Always there. Tough to steal. Strong, well anchored.

Yes also debating this method...

Thanks

 

[MacDonald]

I just bought "Kestrel" hull# 114 from Maryland and moved her to Pictou, Nova Scotia. This adds another Olson 30 to the Atlantic provinces. Moving up from a Kirby 25 is going to be interesting but definitely fun....

 

[Silverbullet]

That is a sharp looking boat Tom! Nice work.

 

[FreakinA]

Holy shit! This happened in Shilshoal while they were rebuilding the marina a few summers ago. Frickin low hanging wires man...watch out!

Dude, you set yourself up for this.

 

[Hobie Dog]

I think the 29 tends to nose dive a bit more though so they are not quite as good for transpac, etc.

Just curious -- why would this be? I thought the hull shape was exactly the same.

Incidentally, these boats -- which are still pretty light in 2012 -- cry out for carbon masts ... are they class legal? ... has anyone ever had one made up?

I believe the hull shape is the same however the mast is further forward on the 29 making for a more balanced sail plan with a larger main and smaller head sails. The 29 just feels better and has a much lighter helm. But like I said I like the Olson 30 as well. Have no idea if the 29 tends to nose dive more than the 30 as we have not had her out in any real waves yet.

I would have to think carbon masts are not going to be class legal but one of you owners should check your class rules. I am sure PHRF would tag you for 3-6 seconds if you put one on.

 

[Mark K]

I think the 29 tends to nose dive a bit more though so they are not quite as good for transpac, etc.

Just curious -- why would this be? I thought the hull shape was exactly the same.

Incidentally, these boats -- which are still pretty light in 2012 -- cry out for carbon masts ... are they class legal? ... has anyone ever had one made up?

I believe the hull shape is the same however the mast is further forward on the 29 making for a more balanced sail plan with a larger main and smaller head sails. The 29 just feels better and has a much lighter helm. But like I said I like the Olson 30 as well. Have no idea if the 29 tends to nose dive more than the 30 as we have not had her out in any real waves yet.

I would have to think carbon masts are not going to be class legal but one of you owners should check your class rules. I am sure PHRF would tag you for 3-6 seconds if you put one on.

The hull shape is not the same. George took one of the molds at the end of the 30 production and modified it by opened up the back end for a wider transom. The front 2/3rds or so is very much the same.

Theory was it would plane easier and have more form stability. This was indeed the direction things went with future sport boats too.

More buoyancy in the aft end means you need to pack more weight back there to keep the nose up though.

 

[saboteer]

Class rules stipulate a rig weight minimum and also a balance point so making a carbon rig up wouldn't gain you much. Now if you were racing just PHRF then maybe the -3 or -6 sec they dock you may be worth the extra expense. By the way the 2012 Nationals are shaping up to be a good one with 6 boats registered and 4 or 5 more promising to come. If anyone is interested check out LBRW for registration and a list of entrants. And for any info on the Olson check out the class website @ Olson Class Website

 

[jcc]

Took this photo last Tuesday, measuring it for IRC and ORR

/monthly_06_2012/post-139-090354400%201338594769_thumb.jpg

 

[Mark K]

Disgusting.