Marlow-Hunter 31 Information, Review, Specs

The Marlow-Hunter 31 commenced production in 2015, continuing the legacy of Hunter Marine, which was acquired by David E. Marlow in 2012 to become Marlow-Hunter, LLC. Designer Glenn Henderson crafted the Marlow-Hunter 31 with a primary focus on comfort, safety, and single-handed capability, aligning with the builder's long-standing philosophy of balancing performance with ease of handling. The design emphasizes spacious interiors and robust construction, hallmarks of the Hunter brand. A distinctive feature carried over to this model is the B&R rig, known for allowing larger mainsails and simpler sail handling, along with a sturdy cockpit arch, providing practical mounting points and structural integrity. The hull incorporates a marked chine in its after sections, contributing to its design. The Marlow-Hunter 31 was offered with two keel options: a standard fin keel with a draft of 5.41 feet, and a shoal-draft keel drawing 4 feet 5 inches.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Marlow-Hunter 31 exhibits respectable cruising boat performance, capable of achieving good speeds even in light air. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 17.85, she is designed to perform well in lighter conditions, a beneficial trait for a cruiser. Her Displacement to Length ratio, around 203, indicates a moderately light displacement for her size, suggesting a responsive and performance-oriented cruising experience rather than a heavy, traditional motion. While not built as a dedicated racer, the boat is quick to accelerate in even slight puffs of wind. Owners report that the Marlow-Hunter 31 can maintain a respectable speed of 6 knots on a close reach in moderate winds of 8 to 10 knots. The rig design, dominated by the mainsail, features a relatively small and easily handled headsail, contributing to its ease of sailing. The Ballast to Displacement ratio of approximately 0.285 points to a moderate level of stiffness, characteristic of a stable cruising vessel.

Accommodations and Layout

A standout feature of the Marlow-Hunter 31 is its impressive and often surprising interior volume for a boat of its size, with its beam rivaling that of many 34-foot models. The interior offers a comfortable and spacious two-cabin, one-head layout designed to maximize livability. The boat boasts a generous maximum headroom of 6 feet 3 inches, enhancing the sense of space below deck. The finish quality is solid, and details like laminate faux teak and holly flooring contribute to an attractive and easy-to-maintain environment.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Marlow-Hunter 31 frequently praise its ample space, often noting that the interior feels larger than expected for a 31-foot boat. The solid construction and high-quality interior are also commonly highlighted strengths. The boat's design for ease of handling and good sailing abilities generally receives positive feedback from owners. While overall sentiment is positive, some owners have noted the high freeboard as a minor aesthetic or practical consideration.