Sun Fast 31 (Jeanneau) Information, Review, Specs

Hailing from a builder with a rich history of innovation and quality, the Sun Fast 31 reflects Jeanneau's commitment to producing "liveable boats" with elegant lines and thoughtful layouts, a philosophy the company has upheld since its embrace of fiberglass construction in the late 1950s.

History and Design

The Jeanneau Sun Fast 31 was in production from 1991 to 1994, a period during which Jeanneau, despite corporate shifts, maintained its focus on quality and performance in its sailing yacht lines. Designed by Daniel Andrieu, a name synonymous with performance-oriented sailing yachts, the Sun Fast 31 was conceived as a versatile cruiser-racer. The Sun Fast range itself is characterized by its dedication to speed, responsive sensations, and competitive sailing, without sacrificing reliability, ease of handling, or safety at sea.

Notably, the Sun Fast 31 shares its lineage with the earlier Sun Odyssey 31 and Sun Light 30 models, suggesting a refinement of successful design principles. Built with a solid fiberglass hull and deck, the construction reflects Jeanneau's early and sustained adoption of advanced fiberglass manufacturing techniques, ensuring durability and minimum maintenance. For customization, the Sun Fast 31 offered a shallow draft as standard, with a deeper lead keel available as an option, catering to different sailing grounds and performance preferences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Jeanneau Sun Fast 31's design metrics point to a sailboat capable of engaging performance. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 18.41, she is well-equipped to perform admirably in lighter winds, exhibiting a responsiveness that appeals to those who enjoy a lively sail. The ballast to displacement ratio of around 0.39 indicates a respectable level of stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a good breeze without excessive heeling.

Further underscoring its performance-oriented design, the displacement to length ratio of approximately 189 classifies the Sun Fast 31 as a lighter, more agile cruiser in its size category. This, combined with her fin keel and spade rudder, contributes to sharp handling and maneuverability, making her a pleasure to sail. Her hull speed is calculated at 6.73 knots, suggesting efficient cruising speeds. As a fractional sloop, she offers flexibility in sail trim, further enhancing her performance capabilities across various conditions. Owners and brokers alike commend the Sun Fast 31 as a "performance cruiser" that offers good handling and feels seaworthy, capable of safe and comfortable sailing in diverse conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its emphasis on performance, the Jeanneau Sun Fast 31 does not compromise on interior comfort and liveability, aligning with Jeanneau's broader design philosophy. The interior is thoughtfully laid out to accommodate up to six people across two cabins and the main saloon.

Typically, the layout includes a spacious aft cabin, providing comfortable sleeping quarters. A dedicated heads compartment, often configured as a wet room, offers essential facilities. The main saloon forms the heart of the living space, while a well-appointed galley area includes an oven, gas hob, and a cool box, making meal preparation convenient during extended trips. Reviews highlight the Sun Fast 31's good accommodations and ample stowage space below decks, contributing to its reputation as a comfortable and spacious yacht for its size. The use of materials and general finish quality, characteristic of Jeanneau yachts of the era, would prioritize practicality and durability, with efficient use of the available volume to enhance the onboard experience.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Jeanneau Sun Fast 31 often praise its robust construction and versatile nature, appreciating its ability to serve as both a capable club racer and a comfortable cruising platform. Many highlight the boat's solid feel and good manners in a seaway, reflecting its "seaworthy" design. The spacious and practical interior, particularly the generous aft cabin and overall storage, is frequently noted as a significant strength for a boat of this length. While specific recurring issues are not widely documented in generalized public forums, the common feedback points to a well-regarded yacht that holds its value as a testament to Jeanneau's consistent quality during its production run.