Controversy 31 Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Controversy 31 dates back to 1960, a period when Mount Desert Yacht Yard, under the leadership of E. Farnham Butler, was solidifying its reputation for innovative wooden boat construction. Working in close collaboration with distinguished naval architect Cyrus Hamlin, Butler spearheaded the development of the "Controversy" series, which included models ranging from 26 to 36 feet. The yard's manufacturing ethos during this era primarily involved traditional wooden construction, often utilizing the strip-planking technique to achieve a balance of lightweight strength. Their signature design element, the reverse sheer, was not merely an aesthetic choice but also provided practical advantages, such as increased interior volume. The overarching design philosophy for the Controversy series emphasized creating boats with "light displacement" and comfortable cruising capabilities, setting them apart in the marine industry of the mid-20th century.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a sail area of approximately 405 square feet and a displacement of 7,000 pounds, the Controversy 31 exhibits a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of around 17.6. This moderate ratio suggests a boat capable of respectable performance in a range of conditions, without being overly sensitive in heavy air or sluggish in light breezes. Her hull speed is calculated at approximately 6.92 knots.

However, the Controversy 31 presents an interesting paradox when considering its displacement. With a waterline length of 26.67 feet and a displacement of 7,000 pounds, its displacement-to-length ratio (D/L) is approximately 369. This figure typically categorizes a vessel as heavy displacement, generally associated with greater comfort in a seaway and robust construction. This contrasts with Mount Desert Yacht Yard's stated design philosophy for the Controversy series, which aimed for "light displacement". This discrepancy might indicate that "light displacement" was a relative term within the context of the heavier boats prevalent in the 1960s, or it could point to the Controversy 31 being a particularly stoutly built example within the series. Indeed, some sources characterize the Controversy 31 as a heavy bluewater cruising boat, excelling in comfort, which aligns with its calculated D/L ratio.

A crucial point regarding the Controversy 31's stability cannot be fully assessed from available data. While the boat is listed with a fin keel, a reported ballast of 0 pounds is highly unusual and likely a data anomaly for a monohull sailboat of this type. Therefore, a ballast-to-displacement ratio cannot be accurately determined to comment on its stiffness and stability. Given its fin keel and designation as a cruising sailboat, it would undoubtedly incorporate ballast within its structure.

Accommodations and Layout

Specific detailed information regarding the interior layout and accommodations of the Controversy 31 is limited in publicly available resources. While the maximum headroom is not explicitly provided, boats of this era and size, especially those designed with a reverse sheer, often prioritized functional cruising spaces. Given its relatively narrow beam of 5.42 feet for a 31-foot length, the interior might feature a more linear and traditional arrangement compared to wider, more modern designs. Common layouts for cruising sloops of this vintage typically include a V-berth forward, a head, a main salon with settees and a table, and a compact galley. The wooden hull construction suggests a warm, classic interior aesthetic, likely featuring varnished wood trim and joinery. Without specific information, it is difficult to comment on storage, ventilation, or the precise quality of finish, though Mount Desert Yacht Yard was known for its craftsmanship.