Sea Eagle 31 Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Sea Eagle 31 took place during a pivotal era for Taiwan's yachting industry, a period marked by significant growth and a shift from OEM manufacturing to the development of proprietary brands. C&L Marine Corp, under the leadership of Li Kai-yuan, emerged as a notable builder of both sailboats and powerboats, embracing fiberglass construction for its durability and design flexibility.

Stan Huntingford, the designer of the Sea Eagle 31, was known for his robust cruising yacht concepts, a philosophy clearly embodied in this model, 1, 2]. The boat was constructed with an Airex cored fiberglass hull, a method indicating a commitment to sturdy, long-lasting construction. The decks were originally balsa-cored fiberglass, often featuring teak overlays, though some owners have since opted to remove the teak and glass over the decks for ease of maintenance. The design incorporates a fin keel with a skeg-hung rudder, providing a balanced and responsive helm while offering protection for the propeller.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Sea Eagle 31's design characteristics translate into a predictable and comfortable sailing experience, well-suited for cruising. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 14.49, she is characterized as a moderate-weight sailboat that, while not a high-performance racer, offers comfortable motion in various conditions and is described as being slightly underpowered. Her ballast to displacement ratio, an impressive 0.409, speaks to her inherent stability and stiffness, enabling her to stand up well to a breeze and providing excellent righting capability.

The displacement to length ratio of around 273.5 places the Sea Eagle 31 firmly in the category of a medium-heavy cruiser, suggesting a boat that offers a comfortable ride rather than exhilarating speed. Despite this, her relatively long waterline of 27.33 feet contributes to a hull speed of 7.01 knots, allowing her to maintain competitive speeds for a vessel of her size and type. Owners have anecdotally praised her handling, noting she can be sailed comfortably single-handed. She is also regarded as being more comfortable than many similar sailboat designs.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific details on the Sea Eagle 31's interior layout are not extensively documented in widely available resources, boats of this size and era typically prioritize functional living spaces for cruising. Expect a layout that would include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that may convert to berths, a galley area, and a dedicated head compartment. Storage is generally ample for extended cruising, and ventilation would rely on opening ports and overhead hatches. The construction style, with bulkheads glassed directly into the hull rather than relying on a fiberglass liner, often allows for a more traditional and robust interior finish, often incorporating wood trim and durable surfaces.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Sea Eagle 31 hold their vessels in high regard, a sentiment underscored by their infrequent appearance on the used boat market. The solid construction, including the Airex cored hull, is frequently cited as a major strength. The boat's capability as a comfortable and reliable cruiser is further evidenced by a sistership that successfully circumnavigated single-handed, highlighting its robust build and seaworthiness for serious offshore passages. While specific recurring issues are not widely documented, some older boats of this vintage may require attention to original deck fittings or the potential removal and re-glassing of original teak decks, as noted by some owners. The enduring appeal of the Sea Eagle 31 is rooted in its reputation as a well-built, capable, and comfortable cruising platform.