Elizabethan 31 Ketch Information, Review, Specs

The Elizabethan 31's production commenced in 1968 and continued until 1976. Designed by David Thomas, it was notably his first commercial design, a "daring" cruising yacht that would go on to establish his reputation. Peter Webster Ltd., operating from Lymington, Hampshire, England, was a pioneer in adopting Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) for yacht construction in the UK, known for its commitment to high-quality, durable sailing yachts. During this era, Peter Webster's yachts, particularly the Elizabethan line, were recognized for their robust, over-engineered approach to fiberglass construction, ensuring longevity and seaworthiness. The Elizabethan 31 series, while primarily sloops, saw the introduction of a ketch-rigged variant in 1970. This ketch version featured a center cockpit and a higher deck moulding, providing greater headroom and an aft cabin, though the basic hull design remained unchanged from the sloop version.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Elizabethan 31 Ketch, with its long keel, is designed for exceptional directional stability and a comfortable motion at sea. With a displacement of 11,200 lbs and a waterline length of 24.17 feet, it falls into the category of a heavier, more traditional cruiser, reflected in a Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 354.11. The ballast-to-displacement ratio is an impressive 50% (5,600 lbs of ballast in a 11,200 lb boat), indicating a remarkably stiff and stable boat capable of standing up to significant wind. The reported sail area for the ketch version is 430 sq ft, which, when calculated against its displacement, yields a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of around 13.7. This suggests a moderate performer, likely favoring heavier air over light conditions. Despite its robust build and cruising credentials, the Elizabethan 31 is also described as a "sprightly performer," being both fast and well-behaved in fresh breezes.

Accommodations and Layout

Interior details of the Elizabethan 31, particularly for the ketch, reveal a focus on liveability for extended cruising. The ketch-rigged version notably offered increased headroom, reaching up to 6 feet 5 inches (2 meters), a significant improvement over the sloop versions. While specific layouts could vary, often due to owners finishing their own boats, a typical arrangement would include six berths. The design generally incorporates high-volume tanks for fuel (50 gallons) and water (40 gallons), supporting self-sufficiency on longer passages. The overall interior finish and material use, while influenced by the era's fiberglass construction, were part of Peter Webster's ethos of creating capable offshore cruisers, emphasizing durability and seaworthiness.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Elizabethan 31 consistently praise its solid construction and its ability as a reliable passage-maker, making it a highly sought-after vessel for cruising enthusiasts. Many boats from the 1960s and 70s, including the Elizabethan 31, remain actively sailing today, a testament to the original vision and craftsmanship of Peter Webster Ltd.. The fact that many boats were often finished by their owners means that interior fixtures, fittings, deck layouts, and rigging can vary significantly from one vessel to another, adding a unique character to each boat. Discussions among owners often compare the Elizabethan 31 to other well-regarded cruisers of its time, like the Nicholson 32, highlighting its enduring reputation for capability and robust build. The dedicated Elizabethan Owners Association further underscores the strong community and lasting appeal of these classic yachts.