F-31 Sport Cruiser Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The production of the Corsair F-31 Sport Cruiser began in 1992, marking a new chapter in Corsair Marine's commitment to advanced trimaran design. Built by Corsair Marine, the F-31's production run extended until 2013. The vessel evolved from Ian Farrier's earlier successful folding trimaran designs, particularly the F-27, being conceptualized as a "stretch version" that offered more spacious cruising accommodations. Farrier's design philosophy aimed to create foldable, trailerable, performance-cruising boats that would attract new sailors and appeal to those seeking user-friendly yachts, providing a safe, roomy, high-performance cruiser.

During this era, Corsair Marine, founded in San Diego with financial backing from John Walton, was dedicated to specializing in lightweight composite trailerable trimarans. The F-31 carried forward this ethos, leveraging lightweight composite materials for its construction to ensure high performance and durability. Over its production run, the F-31 saw several significant variations to cater to different sailing priorities. The F-31 "R" (Race) version, for instance, was designed for exceptional speed, sometimes at the expense of traditional cruising amenities, and often featured a carbon fiber mast. Conversely, the F-31 "UC" (Ultimate Cruiser) was developed to blend exhilarating speed with more comprehensive cruising accommodations, including an aft cabin, head, shower, and hot water heater, offering an alternative interior layout with a full salon.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a trimaran, the Corsair F-31 Sport Cruiser delivers a fundamentally different sailing experience compared to monohulls, excelling in speed and stability. With a length overall of just over 30 feet and a waterline length of 30 feet, coupled with a reported sail area of 599 square feet and a light displacement of 3,630 pounds, the F-31 is designed for agility and speed. Trimaran designs like the F-31 are renowned for their ability to achieve exhilarating speeds, often exceeding 20 knots, while maintaining remarkable stability and comfort in various conditions, 4].

The F-31 is widely praised as a well-rounded yacht possessing excellent performance and handling characteristics. Its fractional sloop rig and daggerboard keel contribute to its responsiveness and ability to point well upwind. Control lines are typically led aft to the cockpit, simplifying sail handling and control for a single-handed sailor or a small crew. While generally robust, some owners have noted a significant difference in the boat's relative speed between light and heavy air. The three-rudder configuration ensures precise steering and control. While highly capable for coastal and near-shore cruising, some experienced sailors have expressed reservations about undertaking long ocean passages in the F-31.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Corsair F-31 Sport Cruiser, while efficient for a performance trimaran, is designed to offer practical cruising amenities. With a water capacity of 20 gallons, it supports basic overnight and weekend trips. While the exact maximum headroom is not universally specified, the main cabin area provides approximately 7 feet of width, which is considered narrow when compared to a typical 32-foot monohull.

Layouts often feature a V-berth forward, a compact galley, and a salon area. The F-31 "Ultimate Cruiser" variant, in particular, enhances livability with full-service accommodations that can include an aft cabin, an enclosed head with a shower, and hot water capabilities, alongside a more expansive salon layout. The interior design is generally considered well-suited to American cruising tastes, focusing on functional use of space within the trimaran's hull constraints. Given its lightweight composite construction, the finish quality is practical and geared towards durability and reducing weight. Storage, while present, is typically optimized for essential cruising gear rather than extensive liveaboard provisions.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Corsair F-31 Sport Cruiser consistently praise its solid construction and user-friendly nature. Many appreciate the convenience of its trailerable design, which significantly expands cruising grounds and simplifies storage. The F-31 is celebrated for its high-performance capabilities and versatility, delivering an exciting sailing experience that is often highlighted in owner forums and reviews.

However, like any vessel, the F-31 has its specific considerations. Some minor problems have been noted by owners. Discussions in owner forums occasionally touch upon potential issues such as stress fractures around the compression pads, although generally the boats are considered structurally sound. While the F-31 offers remarkable stability for a multihull, its suitability for extensive offshore passages has been a point of debate among experienced sailors. Despite these points, the F-31 maintains a dedicated and active global owner community, frequently engaging in regattas and sailing "Safaris," which further attests to its enduring appeal and the camaraderie among its enthusiasts.