Cape George 31 Information, Review, Specs

The lineage of the Cape George 31 traces back to the deep-rooted design philosophy of Cape George Marine Works, a company founded in the 1970s by master shipbuilder Cecil Lange and his sons. Their vision was to craft seaworthy vessels inspired by the proven principles of classic naval architecture, particularly drawing from the work of William Atkin and also influenced by the classic working boats of Norwegian designer Colin Archer. 7, 11, Builder Article Production of the Cape George 31 commenced in 1990, adhering to the builder's commitment to fiberglass construction for their hulls, which are hand-laid using vinylester and polyester-based resins, combined with bi-axial glass fabrics. This approach prioritizes sturdy construction and blue-water prowess over fleeting trends, resulting in yachts celebrated for their seakindliness and stability, capable of handling challenging ocean conditions. A unique aspect of Cape George's production is their practice of supplying hulls and ballast to owners who often undertake the interior finishing themselves, fostering a collaborative spirit and ensuring each vessel, while sharing a common robust foundation, gains a distinct character., 16]

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Cape George 31 is characterized by its heavy displacement and full keel, features that contribute significantly to its renowned offshore capabilities. With a displacement of 15,835 lbs and a waterline length of 27.5 feet, its Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 340 marks it as a very heavy, traditional cruiser, emphasizing stability and strength over outright speed in lighter airs. The boat's Sail Area to Displacement ratio, around 16.04, further indicates its design as a powerful, but not exceptionally light-air performer, suggesting it will excel when the wind picks up. A Ballast to Displacement ratio of nearly 49.26% highlights its exceptional stiffness and stability, allowing it to stand up to significant wind and maintain a comfortable motion in a seaway.

Anecdotal evidence from owners consistently praises the Cape George 31 for its graceful handling and stout performance. Described as "graceful, stout, and fast," it is known for its seakindliness, stability, and ability to manage challenging ocean conditions. Its cutter rig effectively breaks the sail area into smaller, more manageable sails, a common and advantageous setup for offshore sailing. The full keel design provides excellent directional stability, allowing the boat to track well on a course. Owners have reported impressive performance, with the 31-footer capable of logging 185-mile days at sea. One owner even affectionately refers to the Cape George 31 as an "offshore sailing dinghy," underscoring its serious blue-water capabilities despite its size.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom dimensions are not always standardized due to the builder's practice of allowing owner-finished interiors, the Cape George 31 is designed to offer a comfortable and practical living space for long-term cruising. The interior layout typically features a masterful blend of classic craftsmanship and functional design. Given the owner-completion aspect, materials for interior finishes often include locally available woods such as Doug fir and Redwood, lending a unique and often custom feel to each vessel. Descriptions of the interior suggest sufficient volume for a comfortable long-range cruiser, commonly featuring a galley and sleeping arrangements suitable for extended voyages.

Owner's Perspectives

The Cape George 31 fosters a strong and loyal community of owners who frequently share their experiences and insights in online forums. Owners consistently express profound faith in their vessels, praising their solid construction and comfortable motion in a seaway, highlighting the design's inherent safety and reliability for offshore passages. 8, 9, Builder Article The customization potential, with many owners having completed their boat's interior, is often cited as a unique advantage, leading to a fleet of highly personalized yachts. While comprehensive reviews are available, common issues are less frequently discussed than the boat's enduring strengths, underscoring its reputation as a robust and dependable blue-water cruiser.