Lifting Keel: The Cheetah 30 features a retractable keel that allows the draft to vary from 7 feet (fully extended) to just 1ft (retracted). In the mid-nineties, this was an unusual feature for a keel boat this size. It was able to go from trailering draft to a full draft using a winch handle and an innovation carbon cassette.

Lightweight Construction: With a displacement of only 2,300 pounds including a lead bulb of 1,000 pounds, the Cheetah was built using standard fiberglass by way of a single innovative structural interior.

Beam: Measuring 8’-2” in beam, the Cheetah 30 was designed for upright trailering in Europe.

Chines: Because of the ​narrow beam and lightweight planing characteristics, the Cheetah was one of the first keel boats to deploy chines during its introduction.

These innovations collectively make the Cheetah 30 a noteworthy example of 1990s sailboat design, emphasizing affordable performance, versatility, and ease of use.​