Ufo 31 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the UFO 31 in the mid-1970s saw Oyster Marine, then known for its UFO 34, partnering with Holman & Pye, a firm renowned for their successful International Offshore Rule (IOR) designs 2, 11, Builder Article. The UFO 31 was one of the last designs from the Holman & Pye collaboration with Oyster and Colvic, with its inception aimed at delivering both spirited performance and comfortable cruising capabilities. This era for Oyster was characterized by a focus on robust fiberglass construction, which was integral to the UFO 31's solid build quality, 4, 6].

While the hulls were consistently molded by Colvic Craft, the final fit-out of the UFO 31s varied considerably. Many were completed by professional yards, while others were home-finished, leading to a wide range in interior finish quality across the fleet. The UFO 31 features a masthead sloop rig, a choice that offers simplicity and a substantial sail area.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The UFO 31's design ratios underscore its performance-oriented nature. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 17.86, she exhibits good potential for performance in lighter winds, suggesting she can get moving even when the breeze is subtle. A high Ballast to Displacement ratio of nearly 50% indicates excellent stiffness and stability, enabling the UFO 31 to stand up well to a stronger breeze and maintain a comfortable motion. Her Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of around 180.6 places her firmly in the lighter, more performance-focused category of sailboats, hinting at responsive handling and good speed potential.

Anecdotal evidence from owners and reviewers consistently praises the UFO 31 as a "very, very good sailboat on all points of sail". While she can be "a bit rolly downwind," she reportedly "prefers it when it blows a bit". Her light, stable, and stiff characteristics contribute to her reputation as a fast and very seaworthy sailboat. The solid construction and excellent sailing characteristics are frequently highlighted, affirming her reliability and capability. However, with a masthead rig carrying a large genoa and spinnaker, competitive handling often necessitates a strong crew.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its performance credentials, the UFO 31 was also designed with comfortable cruising in mind. The interior typically features accommodations for six berths spread across two cabins. The main saloon area commonly includes two settees and two pilot berths, complemented by two additional berths in the forepeak. Many UFO 31s feature a classic, warm teak interior, contributing to a traditional nautical ambiance. As previously noted, the quality of the interior fit-out can vary significantly, depending on whether the boat was professionally finished or completed by an owner. While specific headroom figures are not consistently documented, the layout is designed for practical living aboard.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the UFO 31 frequently commend its robust construction and exceptional sailing characteristics, noting its stability and quickness in various sea states. Many appreciate its ability to perform well, especially when the wind picks up, and some owners have found stripped-out versions to be highly competitive in light-wind regattas.

However, some common points of concern have been raised. A recurring issue in earlier models was the strength of the keel-to-hull joint, which in many instances required reinforcement. Similarly, the mast step, being a critical point of strength for a keel-stepped yacht, has been identified as a potential weak spot on some boats. The variability in fit-out quality is also a widely acknowledged factor, with some professionally finished boats not always surpassing the quality of well-executed home completions. Despite these potential maintenance considerations, the UFO 31 maintains a loyal following among sailors who value its blend of performance and seaworthiness.