Eastward HO SR. 31 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The story of the Eastward HO SR. 31 begins in 1959 with its initial production in wood by International Marine Corp. of Japan. The design, credited to Eldredge-McInnis, a firm known for its traditional and practical yacht designs, aimed to create a vessel with a comfortable motion and reliable handling characteristics. The sailboat appears similar to the DAIMYO, suggesting a shared design lineage from the same naval architects.

Over its production run, the Eastward HO SR. 31 saw a transition in materials and builders. While initially crafted in wood, later iterations were built in fiberglass by companies such as Portsmouth Yacht Co. and, significantly, C. E. Ryder in the USA. C. E. Ryder, operating from Bristol, Rhode Island, from 1976 to 1990, became synonymous with hardy, well-regarded fiberglass sailboats. Their ethos centered on creating "good old boats" – classic designs with solid construction built to stand the test of time, a philosophy that aligned well with the inherent characteristics of the Eldredge-McInnis design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 30.5 feet and a waterline of 24 feet, the Eastward HO SR. 31 is characterized by a long keel hull type, a design choice that prioritizes tracking stability and a comfortable motion in a seaway. Her displacement of 11,000 pounds combined with a sail area of approximately 458 square feet results in a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of around 14.86. This figure suggests a boat with moderate sail-carrying capacity, indicating she is likely to perform well in a breeze but might require more wind to get moving briskly in lighter conditions.

The Eastward HO SR. 31's Ballast to Displacement Ratio (B/D) stands at approximately 0.409, a healthy number that speaks to its inherent stability and stiffness, enabling the boat to stand up to its canvas and handle stronger winds with confidence. Furthermore, a Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L) of roughly 355.18 firmly places her in the heavier, more traditional cruiser category. This substantial weight contributes to her sea-kindly motion, allowing for a comfortable ride even in choppier conditions, a highly valued trait for cruisers. The combination of these ratios paints a picture of a solid, stable, and dependable vessel, designed more for comfortable passage-making than for high-speed racing.

Accommodations and Layout

Detailed interior layouts and descriptions for the Eastward HO SR. 31 are not extensively documented in widely available resources. However, given its classification as a traditional cruiser of its era, a typical interior arrangement would likely feature a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that convert to berths, a galley area, and a navigation station, possibly with a quarter berth aft.

Due to the historical context, particularly concerning C. E. Ryder-built vessels, it's worth noting that some boats from the builder were sold as "owner-finished" projects, meaning that while the hull and deck were complete, the interior might have been outfitted by individual owners. This could lead to variations in the finish quality, materials used, and specific layouts from one Eastward HO SR. 31 to another. Common materials of the time would include wood trim, fiberglass liners, and practical, durable fabrics, focusing on functionality and ease of maintenance suitable for cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Eastward HO SR. 31 often appreciate its solid construction and seaworthiness, which are hallmarks of the Eldredge-McInnis design and the build quality of its manufacturers. As with many classic sailboats, ownership often entails a commitment to ongoing maintenance and upgrades. Common topics of discussion among owners of older vessels like the Eastward HO SR. 31 can include the need to address original electrical systems, which may require updating from older fuse-based panels to modern breaker systems or replacing wiring and fixtures to ensure safety and reliability. Despite these potential maintenance aspects, the enduring appeal of the Eastward HO SR. 31 lies in its reputation as a well-built, capable cruiser that offers a comfortable and secure platform for sailing.