Interior

Beginning at the stern is a double quarter berth that immediately became my preferred place to sleep whether under sail or at dock. Being close to the cockpit and companionway gives a feeling of being a responsible Captain, ready to take on any unforeseen challenges in a moment even if sleeping deep. Also it’s incredibly comfortable and has an opening portlight into the cockpit for ventilation. Immediately in front of the quarter berth, on the starboard side of the companion way is a nice sized navigation desk with opening desk surface for storage of navigational aids and a mickey of rum. Opposite the navigation desk on the port side is a galley that I don’t think could be designed any better or more purposeful. No matter what waves and winds the weather throws at it, there is always a way to secure yourself while prepping a snack even in the worst conditions. The gimballed stove functions flawlessly and will allow the manufacturing of the ever necessary coffee regardless of weather. A cavernous Ice box/fridge and plenty of cabinet space offers storage for a week away from land.

The salon is spacious to begin with and when taking advantage of the brilliant way the table folds together and up onto the bulkhead, the whole salon opens up to allow for tango practice. Moving forward is a generous hanging closet to port and a roomy, very modern and functional head with ample shower space to starboard. The V berth is just large enough for two somewhat tall adults, but perhaps a wee bit challenging for basket ball players.

There is very little room in the bilge making it challenging to install an automatic bilge pump. It’s almost impossible to keep dry. As such, when the boat heels, expect a long puddle along the sole edge. It doesn’t hurt to close the sink thru-hull in the head either as water will come up when heeled to starboard.

Cockpit

The cockpit is noticeably deep, which coupled with the bimini cover provides a cozy space for dining or relaxing. The very large 36″ wheel can be reached from just about anywhere. Single handing the CS 30 is a breeze and an absolute joy. The traveler above the companion way hatch works flawlessly and is simple to operate and the self-tailing jib winches are perfectly situated and free of obstacles. Operating the boat as a team of two sailors is likewise a joy and although I’m a cruiser, this is a fun boat to sail fast in. Sailing with non sailor guests is another story. I went for a sail with a couple of friends who aren’t boaters. For this purpose the cockpit is far too crowded and small and the BIG wheel is nothing but in the way. For every tack or change of course I had to instruct them to move to a different spot so I could climb around them and the BIG wheel in order to get to the sheet I needed. This gets VERY old after a couple of hours out on the water. Also make sure to open the companion way hatch all the way and mind the edge on the thick plexiglass hatch. It will quickly take a slice off your scalp if you attempt to enter too swiftly and/or carelessly. (at 5′ 10″. Likely worse if you’re taller.)

Hull and Deck

Pointy in the bow with a bulbous beam at the centerline and a fairly tapered stern suggests adequate performance with perhaps a bit of bobbing in waves due to the low-slung, whale-like mid-section. The hull is solid fiberglass and the decks are balsa cored like most such sailboats of that time. The cabin top is on the square side and perhaps a bit tall looking to some people. There is no teak anywhere on deck, instead favoring stainless steel for hand holds and other hardware. My particular specimen did have some water intrusion through stanchion bases and perhaps the toe rail. Not a criticism against the boat model as it was likely due for re-bedding. The side decks are somewhat easily traversed, but could be wider. Portlights could be long and large or multiple smaller but of the opening variety. My boat had the opening variety, but leaked when closed.