Rush 31 (Jeanneau) Information, Review, Specs

The narrative of the Rush 31 begins in 1979, born from a successful IOR Half Ton design by Ron Holland, a designer also associated with prestigious Swan yachts. Holland's philosophy for the Rush 31 aimed to blend racing prowess with a more accommodating interior, resulting in a "slightly more spacy hull design" than some of its pure racing counterparts. During its production run, Jeanneau built 580 units of the Rush 31, a testament to its popularity.

At the time of the Rush 31's production, Jeanneau, founded by Henri Jeanneau in 1957, was solidifying its reputation for embracing new technologies and efficient production techniques, notably in fiberglass construction. Following the success of models like the Sangria, Jeanneau's ethos during this era, even under the temporary ownership of Bangor Punta (1970-1990), continued to prioritize quality, innovation, and creating "liveable boats" that balanced performance with onboard comfort. The Rush 31 was offered in several variations, including the GTE and REGATTA, with the REGATTA featuring a lead keel for enhanced performance. The Rush ROYAL STD was even selected for the prestigious 'Tour de France à la voile' in 1982-1983, highlighting its racing credentials. Furthermore, a version based on this hull design was licensed and built in the United States as the CAL 9.2.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Jeanneau Rush 31's design metrics provide insight into its performance characteristics. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of approximately 17.65, she exhibits good performance in light to moderate air, suggesting a lively and responsive sail plan suitable for a balanced cruiser-racer. Her Ballast to Displacement (Bal/Disp) ratio of around 0.416 is notably high, indicating excellent stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a significant amount of wind and maintain its sail plan effectively. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 180 classifies the Rush 31 as a light-to-moderate displacement vessel. This combination of ratios points to a boat that is relatively agile and performance-oriented for its size, without sacrificing stability.

Anecdotal reports suggest the Rush 31 is an "upwind imperial sailboat," affirming its design roots as an IOR racer capable of strong performance. The robust fiberglass construction typical of Jeanneau boats from the 1980s also contributes to its solid feel and seaworthiness.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed interior specifications for the Rush 31 are not extensively documented in all public databases, its design philosophy as a racer-cruiser suggests a practical and functional interior layout. The designer's intention for a "slightly more spacy hull design" points to a conscious effort to enhance interior volume and comfort. The interior space is generally described as practical for a 31-foot boat, providing comfortable berths for 4-5 people, along with ample storage and a compact "wet block" (likely referring to the head and possibly a small galley area). Common layouts for boats of this size and era typically include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that convert to berths, a galley, and a head compartment, often with a quarter berth aft. The finish quality is generally considered to be robust, characteristic of Jeanneau's construction standards during the 1980s.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners often praise the Jeanneau Rush 31 for its solid construction and responsive handling, attributes that stem from its IOR racing heritage and Jeanneau's build quality. The presence of active online communities, such as the UK Jeanneau Owners Group, indicates a dedicated base of enthusiasts who share knowledge and support, which can be invaluable for current and prospective owners. While specific recurring issues for the Rush 31 are not widely documented in general reviews, owners of vintage boats often highlight the importance of inspecting older fittings, electrical systems, and the integrity of core materials in areas like the deck, which is standard practice for vessels of this age. The boat's versatility as both a capable club racer and a comfortable coastal cruiser is frequently appreciated by its owners.