Hallberg-Rassy 31 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Hallberg-Rassy 31 emerged from the Ellös shipyard on Orust, Sweden, beginning its impressive production run in 1992 and continuing for nearly two decades until 2009, making it one of the longest production runs in the company's history. This model was a product of Hallberg-Rassy's fruitful collaboration with Germán Frers, who has been the exclusive designer for the yard's new yachts since 1988. Frers' design philosophy for the Hallberg-Rassy 31 centered on "sailing with safety and comfort at a good pace," aiming to create a yacht that was both pleasant to handle and capable of respectable passage speeds.

During its production, the Hallberg-Rassy 31 saw some minor variations. Early models delivered in 1992, for instance, were notable for not featuring the fixed windshield that would later become a signature element of the design, although it was a hallmark of many Hallberg-Rassy yachts. Notes Owners also had the option of a shallow draft keel. Notes The vessel was initially powered by a Volvo Penta MD2002 engine, with later models transitioning to the Volvo Penta 2020. Notes A significant update arrived with the MkII version from model year 2006, which introduced a more rounded interior design, including rounded and profile-milled edges with ventilation grids above, and an updated composite washbasin and countertop in the head.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Hallberg-Rassy 31 exhibits a harmonious blend of stability and performance, a hallmark of Frers' designs. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 21.05, she demonstrates good potential for performance in lighter wind conditions, allowing her to keep moving when others might struggle. Her ballast to displacement ratio (Bal/D) of around 44.4% is indicative of a stiff and stable yacht, capable of standing up to a considerable breeze and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. This high ballast ratio also contributes significantly to her inherent safety and offshore capability. The displacement to length ratio (D/L) of approximately 222.25 places the Hallberg-Rassy 31 firmly in the category of a moderate displacement cruiser, balancing load-carrying capacity with reasonable performance.

Reviewers and owners consistently describe the Hallberg-Rassy 31 as having "excellent sailing characteristics," noting that the boat is "well balanced" and "gently moves through the water, pointing and going to weather." The yacht's medium displacement hull is complemented by an efficient fin keel and spade rudder, paired with a modern fractional rig, contributing to its responsive handling. Its beam, at 10.83 feet, is considered generous for its length, which also contributes to its stability and interior volume. The overall design creates a boat that instills confidence, making for a relaxed and enjoyable sailing experience.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its under-32-foot length overall, the Hallberg-Rassy 31 is praised for its remarkably spacious, light, and inviting interior. With a maximum headroom of 6.1 feet, the cabin feels open and accommodating, a testament to thoughtful design. The interior layout is practical, providing comfortable living spaces for cruising couples or small families.

Typical for a boat of its size and era, the layout usually features a forward V-berth, a main salon with settees that often convert to berths, and a practical galley for meal preparation. A dedicated head compartment is standard, located for convenient access. Hallberg-Rassy is renowned for its exquisite Swedish craftsmanship, and the 31 is no exception, typically featuring high-quality mahogany and other fine woods throughout the interior, creating warm and inviting living spaces. Ventilation is often well-considered, especially with the MkII models incorporating ventilation grids above the rounded interior edges. Storage is ample for a boat of this size, suitable for extended coastal cruising or shorter offshore passages.