Sirius 310 DS Information, Review, Specs

The Sirius 310 DS commenced production in 2011, following a long tradition of deck saloon specialization by Sirius-Werft GmbH, a shipyard founded by Peter Schmidt in 1971 and now led by his son, Torsten Schmidt. The design by Marc-Oliver von Ahlen aimed to achieve "unique living comfort together with good sailing performance," ensuring the yacht was not a compromise but an intelligent combination of both craftsmanship and sailing experience. True to the Sirius ethos, the 310 DS emphasizes a robust build and a semi-custom approach, allowing significant owner input on the interior. While the standard model often features a fin keel with a draft of 5.91 feet, Sirius-Werft offered a remarkable array of optional keel configurations, including shallower fixed drafts, a twin keel option, and even a swing keel, providing exceptional versatility for diverse cruising grounds. The interior layout was also highly customizable, with up to 15 different interior arrangements available, demonstrating the shipyard's dedication to tailoring each vessel to its owner's specific needs. [2, Although some reports indicate the Sirius 310 DS may no longer be in active production, it remains a significant model within the shipyard's acclaimed deck saloon lineage.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Sirius 310 DS, with a displacement of 13,889 pounds and a length overall of 30.51 feet, is characterized as a medium-heavy displacement cruiser, indicated by its Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 281. Its Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of around 12.8 suggests that while it may require a bit more breeze to truly come alive in light air, it is likely designed for comfortable, stable sailing rather than outright speed. With a ballast to displacement ratio of approximately 38.1%, featuring a steel and lead ballast, the boat offers a respectable level of stability, allowing it to stand up well to wind and provide a comfortable motion in a seaway. Despite its robust build and high-volume deck saloon, the 310 DS is reported to handle remarkably well, with anecdotal accounts suggesting that its sailing performance belies its size and displacement, feeling lighter and more agile than one might expect from a deck saloon cruiser. Owners have frequently praised its handling, describing it as a boat that "sails so well." The fin keel option, commonly found, contributes to its good maneuverability.

Accommodations and Layout

A defining characteristic of the Sirius 310 DS is its innovative deck saloon, which provides an elevated living area with panoramic views, fostering a bright and airy atmosphere. This "one-level living" design is a cornerstone of the Sirius philosophy, enhancing comfort and livability. The interior boasts generous headroom, exceeding 1.90 meters (over 6 feet 2 inches) in the living areas, accommodating taller occupants comfortably. The saloon features a comfortable rounded settee, allowing occupants to enjoy the expansive views. Despite its 31-foot length, the Sirius 310 DS offers an interior volume often associated with larger vessels. The boat typically includes two guest cabins and offers large berth sizes. Owners could choose from an impressive 15 different interior layouts, providing extensive customization possibilities for the galley, head, and sleeping arrangements. [2, While opting for two cabins might slightly reduce space for technical systems, the overall design prioritizes livability, storage, and a high-quality finish, typical of German craftsmanship.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Sirius 310 DS consistently express high satisfaction with their yachts, with many stating they are "over the moon" with their choice and praise how "well" the boat sails. The unique combination of comfort, customizability, and sailing performance is frequently highlighted as a major strength. While the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive regarding the yacht's design and build quality, some owners have reported "a few problems," including issues specifically with "many of the Volvo bits" related to the original engine and a lack of satisfactory response from the engine manufacturer. However, these appear to be isolated incidents related to engine components rather than fundamental flaws in the boat's construction or design by Sirius-Werft itself.