Bar Harbor 31 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Bar Harbor 31 class was designed in 1902 and saw all thirteen identical boats leave the Herreshoff yard in Bristol, Rhode Island, in the spring of 1903. These vessels were optimized to the Seawanhaka Rule, a measurement rule of the era that penalized waterline length but did not account for sail area. This design approach resulted in yachts that achieved high ratings for their speed, marking them as the last Seawanhaka yachts produced by Herreshoff before the Universal Rule became dominant.

During this period, the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, co-founded by Nathanael Greene Herreshoff, known as "Captain Nat," was celebrated for its groundbreaking designs, superior construction methods, and a strong manufacturing ethos that emphasized vertical integration. The company handled nearly every aspect of boat production in-house, ensuring exceptional quality control and fostering innovation in every vessel, including the Bar Harbor 31. This dedication produced exceptionally fast and stylish vessels, often pushing the boundaries of marine engineering.

While originally designed as gaff-rigged cutters, some Bar Harbor 31s later underwent modifications to feature taller, more modern Marconi (jib-headed) sail plans, adapting to evolving racing trends and preferences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 49 feet and a waterline length of 31 feet, the Bar Harbor 31 is characterized by a heavy displacement hull, indicative of traditional yacht design of its era. The boat's displacement of 32,000 lbs relative to its waterline length yields a displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 479.5, placing it firmly in the heavy displacement category. This suggests a powerful, stable motion in a seaway, prioritizing sea-kindliness over light-air agility.

The reported sail area of 575 square feet, when factored against its displacement, results in a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 9.13. This comparatively low ratio, especially for modern performance standards, points to a vessel that might require a steady breeze to achieve its full potential. However, contemporary accounts and modern-day enthusiasts consistently praise the Bar Harbor 31 for its "speed and responsiveness," suggesting that its gaff-rigged cutter configuration and hull form were highly efficient for its time and racing rule. The ballast-to-displacement ratio of about 31.25% indicates a moderate amount of ballast relative to its overall weight, suggesting a design that balances stability with a certain degree of responsiveness to sail trim. These boats were designed to be "fierce competitors" in classic yacht racing, highlighting their inherent performance capabilities despite their robust construction.

Accommodations and Layout

Information on the precise interior layout and maximum headroom for the Herreshoff Bar Harbor 31 is limited in detailed historical records. However, considering the boat's design as a racing class from the early 20th century, the interior accommodations would likely have been functional and relatively spartan by modern standards. Descriptions of a restored Bar Harbor 31, Scud, mention it now having a "comfortable interior," implying that while perhaps originally basic, the hull form allowed for a functional living space. Given that the Bar Harbor 31s were among the smallest sailing craft of their day with just over a 30-foot waterline length, interior volume would have been compact but sufficient for overnighting and preparing simple meals. Typically, yachts of this vintage and size would feature a V-berth or forepeak, a main salon with settees that could serve as berths, and a simple galley and head, all finished with the high-quality wood craftsmanship characteristic of Herreshoff boats.

Owner's Perspectives

The Herreshoff Bar Harbor 31 has garnered an enduring legacy, with at least two of the original thirteen boats surviving into the 21st century. This longevity is a testament to the robust construction and timeless design quality characteristic of Herreshoff yachts. Owners, both past and present, have consistently shown dedication to these classic vessels, often undertaking extensive restoration efforts to preserve their historical integrity and sailing capabilities. The Herreshoff Marine Museum in Bristol, Rhode Island, even houses one of the original Bar Harbor 31s, Joker, which was donated after decades of ownership, underscoring the deep attachment owners form with these distinguished sailboats. Owners praise the Herreshoff designs for their classic lines, exceptional build quality, and proven performance, ensuring a passionate community continues to cherish and maintain these iconic vessels.