The Fisher 30 was designed in 1971 by Wyatt & Freeman, and was the first Fisher model built for Fairways Marine, who originally had the hulls fitted out by a number of contract builders, before Northshore took over in 1981. They were immediately popular, despite always being very expensive yachts for their size. A total of almost three hundred were built between 1971 and 1987.

With a long keel, heavy displacement and deep bulwarks around the deck, the Fishers have a steady motion at sea, the hulls being very reminiscent of the wooden Miller Fifers, themselves descended from North Sea fishing boats and the Norwegian Colin Archer 'redningskoite' sailing lifeboats.

Like all Fishers, the yachts do genuinely sail, although windward performance is not their strong suit. A powerful engine with a big prop does however greatly compensate for this.

The wheelhouse has the enclosed steering position, and seating. Most of the photographs here are of an early example built by Robert Ives Boatbuilders.

The saloon (seen here at left with table top removed ) has L-shaped seating to port, and a single berth to starboard, above which is a large chart table. Forward to starboard is the galley

The table can be removed entirely, or lowered to form a base for a double berth. Saloon headroom is about 6' 2" at centre, and in the wheelhouse the headroom is 6' 0"

For about a year before the introduction of the Fisher 30, the Freeward 30 (no photo available) was built. This used exactly the same hull, but with a smaller (and rather unattractively proportioned) doghouse, compared to the forward sloping 'fishing boat' style of the Fisher wheelhouse.

The Freeward 30 was never popular, whilst sale took off immediately once the Fisher styling was introduced

Equipment on individual yachts obviously varies, but Fisher 30s tend to be found with comfort-enhancing gear such as anchor windlasses, cabin heating etc.

Freeward 30

The same hull, with a different deck, was used for the Freeward 30 which had a substantially smaller wheelhouse - the two photos below are courtesy of the owner of the boat picture "Freewind"

Fisher 30

Brief details

Builder

mostly Northshore Ltd., a few early boats by other builders

LOA

30' 0"

Sail area

365 sq ft main, genoa and mizzen

LWL

25' 0"

Rig

ketch

Beam

9' 6"

Cabins

Forecabin, saloon and small wheelhouse

Draught

4' 3"

Berths

5

Displacement

14,560 lbs

Engine

usually Volvo Penta MD3B

Ballast

6,500 lbs

BHP

36

Keel type

Long keel

With a long keel, heavy displacement and deep bulwarks around the deck, the Fishers have a steady motion at sea, the hulls being very reminiscent of the wooden Miller Fifers, themselves descended from North Sea fishing boats and the Norwegian Colin Archer 'redningskoite' sailing lifeboats.

Like all Fishers, the yachts do genuinely sail, although windward performance is not their strong suit. A powerful engine with a big prop does however greatly compensate for this.

The wheelhouse has the enclosed steering position, and seating. Most of the photographs here are of an early example built by Robert Ives Boatbuilders.

The saloon (seen here at left with table top removed ) has L-shaped seating to port, and a single berth to starboard, above which is a large chart table. Forward to starboard is the galley

The table can be removed entirely, or lowered to form a base for a double berth. Saloon headroom is about 6' 2" at centre, and in the wheelhouse the headroom is 6' 0"

The forecabin has two single berths, and the heads, to port, forward of the saloon, has a marine WC and basin.

Equipment on individual yachts obviously varies, but Fisher 30s tend to be found with comfort-enhancing gear such as anchor windlasses, cabin heating etc.

Freeward 30

The same hull, with a different deck, was used for the Freeward 30 which had a substantially smaller wheelhouse - the two photos below are courtesy of the owner of the boat picture "Freewind"

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