Balaton 31 Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Balaton 31 in 1973 marked a significant offering from Balaton Boats in the realm of recreational sailing. As the yacht-building arm of a vast industrial complex, Balaton Boats benefited from a strong engineering and manufacturing foundation, transitioning towards modern materials like fiberglass for more standardized production. Designer Gunnar Cardell opted for a hull design noted for its inherent speed potential. The boat features a fin keel coupled with a skeg-hung rudder, a configuration known for providing splendid maneuverability. While Balaton Boats produced various models tailored for the "Hungarian Sea," the Balaton 31 saw continuous production without widely documented significant variations like distinct Mark series.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Balaton 31's design metrics translate into a capable and responsive sailing experience. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 19.72, she exhibits good potential for performance, particularly in lighter air conditions, suggesting an eagerness to move even in gentle breezes. Her ballast to displacement ratio, around 0.41, indicates a high degree of stiffness and stability, enabling the vessel to stand up well to stronger winds and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. The displacement to length ratio of approximately 256.0 places the Balaton 31 squarely in the category of a moderate cruiser, balancing performance with comfortable accommodations. Owners and reviewers often note the fin keel's contribution to its "splendid maneuverability" and praise the "slightly more speedy hull design" by Cardell, suggesting a lively and engaging handling experience. Power is typically provided by an inboard diesel engine, with the Bukh DV20 being a known installation.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed layouts can vary between individual boats due to owner modifications or minor production changes, the Balaton 31 is generally configured as a two-cabin vessel. Her overall length of just over 31 feet allows for a functional interior, typical of cruisers of her era. Owners often find the boat surprisingly spacious for its class, in line with the builder's philosophy of offering ample space for the boat's size. Information on specific headroom figures, interior finish quality, or material use beyond the fiberglass hull and deck is not extensively documented in publicly available reviews. However, boats from this period often featured practical interiors, potentially incorporating wood trim for warmth and durability. The design is likely to include a V-berth forward, a main salon area, a galley, and a head, providing essential amenities for coastal cruising or extended stays on the water.