Watson 31.5 (Colvic) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Colvic Watson 31.5 commenced in 1976 by Colvic Craft, a pioneering British boat builder renowned for its early and prolific adoption of Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) construction. Colvic Craft, founded in 1964 by Colin Burns and Vic Pascoe, established itself by providing strong and durable fiberglass hulls, often supplying them to other manufacturers for completion, or offering them in various stages of construction direct to customers. The Watson range, including the 31.5, was one of Colvic's most successful collaborations, stemming from a mid-1970s partnership with the design office of G. L. Watson & Co. Ltd. The underlying design philosophy for the Colvic Watson 31.5 centered on practicality, durability, and seaworthiness, rather than high performance or luxury, a hallmark of Colvic Craft's broader identity. The boat was offered with either Bermudian sloop or ketch rigs and could be customized with different power options, reflecting Colvic's flexible manufacturing approach.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Colvic Watson 31.5 is definitively a heavy-displacement motorsailer, a characteristic evident in its design ratios. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 9.34, she is not intended for light-air performance or competitive racing. Instead, this low ratio suggests that she carries a modest sail plan for her substantial weight, often requiring engine assistance in lighter winds or when attempting to sail to windward. Her high displacement to length ratio of 322.76 further solidifies her position as a heavy, traditional cruiser, emphasizing stability and load-carrying capacity over speed.

Despite her heft, the Colvic Watson 31.5 boasts a respectable ballast to displacement ratio of around 36.81%, contributing to her inherent stability and ability to stand up to a breeze. However, some owners have noted that the boat's handling under sail can be "temperamental," particularly with its flat steel plate rudder, which might contribute to less responsive steering compared to more performance-oriented designs. While capable of sailing without engine assistance, her overall sailing characteristics are geared towards comfort and passage-making, rather than exhilarating speed, with some owners even humorously labeling them as "the slowest boat on the planet" in jest about their relaxed pace.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Colvic Watson 31.5 prioritizes liveability and practicality, a common trait for motorsailers designed for extended cruising. A standout feature of the accommodations is the generous headroom, reportedly reaching 6 feet 4 inches throughout much of the cabin, making it comfortable for taller individuals. While specific standard layouts can vary depending on how the original owner completed the boat from a hull, typical arrangements include a V-berth forward, a main saloon area with dinette seating that often converts into additional berths, a functional galley, and a dedicated head compartment. Many Colvic Watsons feature a pilothouse or wheelhouse, providing a protected steering station and additional living space, often with excellent visibility. The overall finish tends to be durable and functional, reflecting the boat's design ethos for robust, long-term use rather than high-gloss luxury.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Colvic Watson 31.5 consistently praise the vessel for its solid construction and remarkable durability, attributes directly stemming from Colvic Craft's reputation for heavy fiberglass layups. These boats are widely regarded as exceptionally robust and seaworthy, making them well-suited for blue water cruising and living aboard. Many owners appreciate the boat's comfortable motion in a seaway, a direct benefit of its heavy displacement and long keel design.

However, a common theme in owner discussions revolves around the boat's sailing performance. While they are fully capable of sailing, they are generally not fast, and some owners have undertaken modifications to improve their upwind capabilities or rudder response. Despite these performance characteristics, the enduring appeal of the Colvic Watson 31.5 lies in its steadfast reliability, generous interior volumes, and the strong community of enthusiasts who value these classic, no-nonsense cruising platforms. Common maintenance items, like with many boats of its vintage, often include re-bedding original deck fittings to address potential leaks.