Nicholson 31 Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Nicholson 31 traces back to 1975 at Camper & Nicholsons, where Raymond Wall, then head of the Sailing Yacht Design Office (SYDO) and responsible for all GRP production sailing yachts, embarked on its creation. The core design brief called for a small cruising yacht capable of proficient passage making in any conditions, aiming for a vessel that combined seaworthiness with comfortable cruising. This ethos aligned perfectly with Camper & Nicholsons' long-standing reputation for achieving design and build excellence, ensuring effortless performance, and delivering safe and swift cruising experiences, a philosophy that guided their construction throughout their history. The company, which had a rich heritage of building elegant and high-quality yachts, applied their meticulous standards to the fiberglass construction of the Nicholson 31, carrying forward the tradition of robust boatbuilding from their earlier wooden vessels. Over its production span, the Nicholson 31 design evolved through four distinct "Marks," with further subtle variations appearing within each iteration.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Nicholson 31 is characterized by a design prioritizing stability and comfort over outright speed, reflecting its blue-water cruising brief. With a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of approximately 13.9, she is considered a heavier displacement cruiser, indicating reliable performance in a range of conditions but not optimized for light-air speed. Her Ballast to Displacement Ratio (B/D) of around 0.37 suggests a moderate degree of stiffness, allowing her to stand up to a reasonable amount of wind. Most notably, the Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L) of over 900 underscores her extremely heavy displacement for a vessel of her size, a characteristic that contributes significantly to her robust motion and legendary seaworthiness.

Anecdotal evidence from owners consistently describes the Nicholson 31 as a capable offshore performer. Her heavy, long-keeled hull contributes to excellent directional stability and tracking, making her a comfortable boat for long passages and well-suited to handling a variety of sea states. Owners have reported impressive passage-making averages, such as a Nicholson 31 named Shardana averaging 152 miles per day from Iceland, and Blue Print maintaining an average of 5.5 knots across the Atlantic. While her long keel configuration might make handling in reverse initially feel less nimble, owners generally attest that this characteristic is easily adapted to. The design's robust nature is further highlighted by its ability to navigate waters with numerous underwater obstructions, such as lobster pots, without issue due to the protection offered by its long keel.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length overall of just over 30 feet, the Nicholson 31 offers a practical and traditionally appointed interior, designed for comfort during extended periods at sea. While specific headroom figures are not available in all documentation, the cabins are generally considered a comfortable size for a boat of this era and type. The interior typically features a classical layout, often finished with detailed varnished teak, contributing to a warm and traditional aesthetic. Common arrangements include a V-berth forward, a head compartment, a main salon with settees that can often serve as berths, and a galley area. Storage is usually ample, designed to accommodate the provisions and gear required for serious cruising. Ventilation, while typical for boats of its vintage, may be augmented by modern upgrades on many examples. While the layout is functional and well-suited for a couple or small family, owners occasionally note that extended cruising with five family members can feel cramped.

Owner's Perspectives

The Nicholson 31 maintains a strong following among owners, who frequently laud its fundamental strengths as a solid, dependable blue-water cruiser. Owners consistently praise the boat's robust construction and its ability to handle challenging conditions with a comfortable and predictable motion, thanks to its heavy, long-keeled design. The strong performance on long-distance passages, as evidenced by transatlantic crossings and high daily averages, is a recurring point of satisfaction. The protective nature of the long keel is also appreciated, particularly in areas with common underwater hazards.

While generally well-regarded, some recurring themes in owner discussions highlight potential considerations. The interior, while functional and traditionally finished, can feel somewhat compact for larger crews on extended voyages. As with many long-keeled vessels, maneuvering in tight quarters or astern may require a period of adjustment for new owners, although this is often overcome with practice. Given the age of these vessels, common maintenance concerns associated with any boat from the 1970s, such as the condition of original systems or the need for re-bedding of deck hardware, are occasionally mentioned in forums, though no specific design flaw stands out as a pervasive problem.