Harmony 31 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Harmony 31's production run spanned from 1964 to 1968. The design, designated VDS design #140, was a creation of E.G. Van de Stadt, a Dutch yacht designer renowned for pioneering industrial yacht building and innovative hull forms. Van de Stadt was known for his pursuit of speedy yet seaworthy designs, often incorporating features like wing section fin keels and balanced spade rudders. For the Harmony 31, it appears the designer aimed for a slightly more speedy hull, hinting at a balance between performance and cruising comfort.

The initial hulls for the Harmony 31 were molded by Tyler Boat Co. Ltd. in the UK, a company known for building some of the earliest fiberglass production yachts. These hulls were then primarily completed by Southern Ocean Shipyards at Poole, UK. Southern Ocean Shipyard, in operation from 1959 to 1987, built a legacy on high-quality, capable offshore yachts, utilizing hand-laid marine-grade glassfibre reinforced polyester, often surpassing Lloyds' stringent standards for strength and durability. This robust construction method was a hallmark of their vessels, ensuring the Harmony 31's reputation for exceptional strength. Additionally, around 20 units of the Harmony 31 were finished and sold by Malo Yachts of Sweden between 1964 and 1968, showcasing a collaborative approach to its early production.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Harmony 31, with a length overall of just over 31 feet and a waterline length of 24.44 feet, presents a distinctive blend of characteristics that influence its sailing performance. Its displacement to length ratio of approximately 144.9 suggests a relatively light and performance-oriented design for its era, indicating a hull form intended for efficient movement through the water. However, its sail area to displacement ratio of about 13.80 classifies it as somewhat underpowered, suggesting it may require more wind to achieve its full potential and might be considered less spirited in very light air.

Where the Harmony 31 truly shines is in its stability and seakindliness, largely attributed to a high ballast to displacement ratio of around 0.416 and a full keel. This substantial ballast, combined with its full keel design, contributes significantly to its stiffness and stability, allowing it to stand up to a good breeze and maintain a comfortable motion in a seaway. Owners and reviewers often describe the Harmony 31 as a very stable and stiff boat with excellent righting capability, making it well-suited for bluewater cruising where comfort and safety are paramount. Its full keel also offers good directional stability, making it track well on longer passages, though it might reduce maneuverability in tight quarters compared to boats with fin keels and spade rudders.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed layouts can vary, the Harmony 31 generally offers an interior designed for comfortable cruising given its size and era. Information regarding the maximum headroom is not available in the provided data, but typical layouts of boats from this period often include a V-berth forward, a main saloon with opposing settees that can convert into berths, a galley, and a head compartment.

Grounded search indicates that interiors of yachts from this period and builders emphasized practical use of space, often featuring ample use of wood trim and robust joinery, contributing to a warm and traditional aesthetic. Storage solutions would have been integrated throughout the cabin, utilizing nooks and crannies to maximize utility for extended voyages. Ventilation would likely be managed through deck hatches and portlights. For a vessel of its length, the Harmony 31's layout would have focused on providing essential comforts and a secure environment for crew, prioritizing functionality and seaworthiness over expansive open-plan living.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Harmony 31 consistently praise its robust construction and solid build quality, a testament to the rigorous standards of Southern Ocean Shipyard. Many highlight its seaworthy nature and comfortable motion in challenging conditions, making it a trusted vessel for offshore passages and extended cruising. The stability provided by its full keel and significant ballast is frequently cited as a major strength, instilling confidence in its handling characteristics.

However, some owners may note that, characteristic of designs from its era, the Harmony 31 can be somewhat sluggish in light winds due to its sail area to displacement ratio. Common maintenance points for older vessels often include the need to address original deck fittings for potential leaks and routine upkeep of aging systems, but these are typical considerations for any classic sailboat rather than specific design flaws. Overall, the Harmony 31 maintains a loyal following among those who value a sturdy, stable, and capable cruising yacht with timeless appeal.