Gozzard 31 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Gozzard 31 emerged from H. Ted Gozzard's North Castle Marine Ltd., established in Goderich, Ontario, in 1982, after he sold his interest in Bayfield Boat Yard. Gozzard Yachts quickly gained a reputation for crafting robust and comfortable cruising vessels, a tradition that continued with the Gozzard 31's introduction in 1990. The company's design philosophy, largely helmed by H. Ted Gozzard himself and later his son Mike Gozzard, focused on creating yachts for the "live aboard" needs of cruising couples.

Throughout its production, the Gozzard 31 saw an evolution with the introduction of the Mark II version, which featured a completely new underwater configuration and a redesigned rig. This iterative approach allowed Gozzard Yachts to take advantage of advancements and refine an already proven design. The builder's ethos during this era emphasized robust construction, utilizing quality materials, and meticulous techniques, including fully cored hulls and decks, ensuring durability and a significant sense of pride among owners.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Gozzard 31 is characterized by a "not-quite full keel that is cutaway aft" and a full skeg rudder, contributing to its stable and predictable cruising performance. While not designed for outright speed, the Gozzard 31 excels as a comfortable and capable cruising boat.

With a displacement of 12,000 pounds and a waterline length of 26 feet, the Gozzard 31 is a heavy-displacement vessel. This substantial weight contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway, prioritizing stability and comfort over light-air performance. However, its generous sail area of 782 square feet relative to its displacement, yielding a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 23.88, suggests a surprising ability to perform well in lighter winds for a boat of its type. The ballast-to-displacement ratio of 0.40 indicates a stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to significant wind and providing a secure feel under sail. Despite its "small" rudder, the full skeg design contributes to good directional stability, a desirable trait for long-distance cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Gozzard 31 is widely praised for its innovative "open" layout, maximizing the sense of space within its nearly 11-foot beam. This thoughtful design caters directly to the cruising couple, providing a comfortable and highly functional living environment. While specific headroom details are not provided in all specifications, the "open" concept ensures a spacious feel.

Typical interiors often feature American cherry wood trim, complemented by a white overhead and cabin trunk, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. While many boats followed this cherry wood standard, some unique examples, such as Hull #8 "Crescendo," were built with an all-teak interior. The layout generally includes a comfortable V-berth forward, a well-appointed head, a spacious salon that can often be reconfigured, and a functional galley, all designed with storage and ventilation in mind to facilitate extended live-aboard periods.

Owner's Perspectives

Gozzard owners are often described as having a "cultlike" devotion to their boats, a testament to the brand's lasting quality and the strong community it fosters. Owners consistently praise the Gozzard 31 for its solid construction, robust build, and its comfortable motion in a seaway, fulfilling the builder's promise of sturdy and seakindly yachts.

Commonly mentioned strengths include the boat's overall durability and the high quality of materials and craftsmanship, which contribute to its enduring appeal in the brokerage market. Owners appreciate the practical design tailored for cruising, including ample storage and a layout that works well for couples. Discussions in owner forums often revolve around maintenance, upgrades, and shared experiences, reflecting the active engagement and satisfaction of the Gozzard community. While specific common problems are not widely highlighted in general reviews, like any boat of its vintage, routine maintenance and attention to systems are key to preserving its value and performance.