Elizabethan 31 Information, Review, Specs

The Elizabethan 31 emerged from the Ropewalk Boat Yard in Lymington, Hampshire, England, under the guidance of Peter Webster Ltd., a pioneer in the UK's fiberglass yacht construction from 1965 to 1976. David Thomas designed the Elizabethan 31 in the late 1960s, a project that marked an early success in his influential career. Peter Webster Ltd. was known for its "over-engineered" approach to fiberglass construction, resulting in boats built to last, a philosophy evident in the Elizabethan 31's enduring quality.

During its production run, which began in 1968, the Elizabethan 31 was offered in at least two main versions. The more popular was a sloop featuring a distinctive semi-flush deck. A ketch-rigged version was also introduced, distinguishing itself with a centre cockpit and a higher deck moulding, and was noted for having a slightly taller headroom. While primary production under Peter Webster Ltd. ceased around 1976 when the company closed, the robust moulds were subsequently utilized to produce a few additional hulls elsewhere.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Elizabethan 31 exhibits the characteristics of a heavy, traditional cruising yacht, designed for stability and comfort over outright speed. With a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 354.6, she falls into the heavy displacement category, indicating a solid, purposeful vessel capable of handling various sea states. Her substantial Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of 0.50 is remarkably high, translating to exceptional stiffness and stability, allowing her to stand up well to a blow and provide a comfortable motion at sea.

However, her Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of 12.36 suggests that she is relatively "underpowered" for her weight, meaning she may require a good breeze to achieve her full potential and is not typically considered a light-air performer. Despite this, owners and reviewers frequently describe the Elizabethan 31 as a "sprightly performer" for her class and an "able passage-maker," capable of clocking good passage times. Her long keel contributes to excellent directional stability, though it can make her "unpredictable in reverse" in close quarters. Overall, she is praised for her smooth, slam-free motion, even in heavy weather, reinforcing her reputation as a reliable and well-behaved cruiser.

Accommodations and Layout

The Elizabethan 31 was designed to offer comfortable accommodations for cruising, typically providing six berths. The more common sloop variant generally featured a layout with a dinette to port in the saloon, often convertible to a double berth, opposite a linear galley to starboard. Forward of the main saloon, the layout typically includes the heads compartment and a forepeak area. The sloop version provides a peak headroom of approximately 6 feet (1.8m).

The less common ketch version, with its higher deck moulding, offered slightly more generous headroom, reaching up to 6 feet 5 inches (2m). The ketch layout also sometimes featured a three-cabin arrangement, including an aft cabin with two single berths. While specific details on interior finish materials require individual boat inspection, Elizabethan yachts from Peter Webster Ltd. are generally known for their robust build quality, suggesting a practical and durable interior construction typical of their era.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners consistently praise the Elizabethan 31 for its solid construction and remarkable stability, making it a highly regarded choice for offshore cruising. Many consider it an "under-rated old school classic," offering a safe and reliable platform for extended voyages. Its ability to handle fresh breezes and maintain a comfortable motion in a seaway are frequently cited strengths, aligning with its design as a capable passage-maker. The long keel, while providing directional stability, is also noted to contribute to an "unpredictable in reverse" characteristic, a common trait of such hull designs. Despite some observations that the boat can be heavy for light weather performance, its overall seaworthiness and build quality are enduring aspects that continue to attract dedicated owners. The vibrant Elizabethan Owners Association further underscores the enduring appeal and community support for these classic yachts.