Pierce Arrow 31 Information, Review, Specs

The Pierce Arrow 31 entered production in 1984 under the construction of Freedom Yachts Ltd. (USA), a builder based in Rockford, Illinois. It was designed by Mark Leonard. While the name "Freedom Yachts" often brings to mind the innovative unstayed rigs championed by Garry Hoyt, it is important to note that the Pierce Arrow 31 hails from a separate, identically named entity. Information regarding the specific design philosophy or goals that guided Mark Leonard in the creation of the Pierce Arrow 31, or the manufacturing ethos of Freedom Yachts Ltd. (USA) during that era, is not readily available in public records. The boat features a fiberglass solid hull and deck, and a fin keel.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Pierce Arrow 31's design characteristics suggest a sailboat capable of good performance for its size. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/Disp) of 20.12, the Pierce Arrow 31 indicates a good sail-carrying ability, suggesting capable performance in a variety of wind conditions, including lighter air. Its displacement to length ratio (Disp/Len) of 166.93 places it in a moderately light category for a cruiser of its size, hinting at a balance between speed and comfortable motion. The boat is equipped with a fin keel, a design choice that generally offers enhanced maneuverability compared to a full keel, though it may result in less directional stability. Anecdotal comparisons suggest the Pierce Arrow 31 offers a comfortable ride, noted as being more comfortable than 14% of similar sailboat designs.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed interior descriptions and layout diagrams for the Pierce Arrow 31 sailboat are not widely published, available information indicates a design that prioritizes interior volume. The Pierce Arrow 31 is reported to be comparatively spacious, offering more interior room than 54% of other similar sailboat designs. This suggests that Mark Leonard's design aimed to maximize the living space within its 31-foot hull, likely providing ample room for a typical cruising layout that would include berths, a galley, and a head, though specific configurations remain undocumented. The hull is constructed from solid fiberglass, contributing to its robust build.