Parker 31 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The story of the Parker 31 begins with its roots in the 1981 Tony Castro-designed "Passage Maker 31," originally built by John Baker Ltd. Parker Yachts, a company with a deep-seated foundation in craftsmanship tracing back to G.W. Parker & Son in the late 1880s, acquired the building rights for the 'Seal' range, which included the Passage Maker, in 1981. This acquisition marked a crucial shift for Parker Yachts, solidifying their commitment to innovative lifting-keel designs.

The Parker 31, specifically, was introduced in 1987 as a heavily modified evolution of the Passage Maker 31. Parker Yachts, known for their robust construction and meticulous building of high-performance racing dinghies, applied this same ethos to their cruising yacht lines. The defining characteristic of Parker's yacht production was undoubtedly the lifting keel, which Bill Parker, the proprietor, personally advocated for due to its immense versatility. The Parker 31's design features a lifting wing keel, a signature element that allows her to dry out safely in tidal areas. Production of the Parker 31 continued until 1993, with approximately 30 units built. She was later superseded by the Parker 325, an in-house design that further refined the lifting-keel concept.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Parker 31 is recognized for her remarkable performance and handling, described by some as a "big dinghy" in terms of responsiveness. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 19.48, she exhibits good light-air performance, suggesting she can move well even in lighter breezes. Her ballast to displacement ratio, around 32.8%, combined with the stability offered by her wing keel, allows her to stand up well to her sail area, indicating a capable and stiff boat. The displacement to length ratio of roughly 138.4 classifies her as a lighter, more performance-oriented cruiser, which aligns with anecdotal reports of her being a "fast cruiser." Owners often praise her ability to handle varying conditions, with the lifting keel providing both performance benefits and practical advantages for shallow waters.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed interior specifications like maximum headroom are provided at 6.0 feet, the Parker 31's interior layout is designed for comfortable cruising. The boat is typically equipped with a galley and a head. Descriptions often highlight good, civilized interior layouts, avoiding a large, obtrusive keel case extending to the deckhead midships, which is a common feature in some other lifting keel designs. The arrangement is generally well-thought-out, providing practical living spaces suitable for her size, often configured with three cabins to house two double and two single berths.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Parker 31 consistently praise its strong sailing performance and the significant advantage of its lifting wing keel, enabling access to diverse cruising grounds. The ability to dry out, thanks to the lifting keel, is a frequently lauded feature, enhancing its versatility for exploring shallow anchorages. While generally well-regarded, some discussions among owners touch upon specific maintenance aspects. For instance, the original mast profile may be difficult to source if replacement is needed, and the original mast bolts have been noted by some owners as an area for inspection and potential upgrade. Issues with the hydraulic system for the lifting keel have also been reported, necessitating attention to pipes and related components. Despite these points, the Parker 31 maintains a dedicated following, with owners appreciating its robust build quality and enjoyable sailing characteristics.