Design and Construction
The A31's hull is vacuum-infused, resin-glass sandwiched construction with an injection-infusion structural liner and composite deck, built by a process Canadian Boating described as environmentally sound anchor. The A31 also uses the resin infusion method in its construction, with the maximum beam carried aft to produce an extremely broad transom and no chines on the hull anchor. A relatively soft turn to the bilge aft with plenty of flare to the topsides gives the topsides volume without hard edges. Below, handle holds match the through-hull bolts securing the jib tracks, and an inspection port in the deck lets the lifting bridle pass through when hauling.
Rig and Handling
The fractional rig carries double swept spreaders with an aluminum mast and boom and Dyform rigging anchor. All control lines lead back to the cockpit, and a 105% jib makes her easy to handle with Harken self-tailing 46.2 speed winches. Built-in barber haulers let the crew shift the jib sheeting angle outboard without moving the jib car, while the main trimmer works aft of the helmsman on a 9:1 purchase main, 8:1 backstay, and Ronstan traveller. A narrow cabintrunk forward permits an 11-degree sheeting angle to the jib tracks. The spinnaker launches and retrieves through the forward hatch; she carries a masthead spinnaker yet is rigged to race with an asymmetrical one, and Harken 40.2 cabin-top winches serve the kite, with a carbon-fiber pole standard in the racing package. The 6-foot 3-inch spade rudder gives a very responsive feel to the wind per Canadian Boating's test anchor, and molded-in foot braces help maintain footing when heeled per the A31 review anchor.
Accommodations
Inside, the A31 sleeps six with an aft double berth, a well-appointed galley, an enclosed aft master suite, and a spacious head combining a work and storage area anchor. The head sits aft to starboard, a double quarterberth lies to port, and the small galley is to port with the icebox on the starboard side next to the chart table; there is only one hanging locker. The clean moulded interior has no lining and, in owner reports, no front bulkhead into the v-berth so sails store flat without bending. Light warm wood, clean white finishes, and modern microfibre upholstery dress the space, all doors are fabric with zippers for privacy, and six-foot headroom runs below. A large cockpit with a super-sized aft locker holds a life raft, fenders, and lifejackets, and a well aft is dedicated to the life raft.
Systems and Engine
The standard auxiliary is a 14 HP Nanni diesel with a sail drive option for 20 HP, and the engine is reachable from four sides for service anchor. An opaque plastic fuel tank makes consumption visible at a glance, and the water tank uses a removable bladder for easy cleaning. The electronic panel is sized so an adult can work on it without contortion. Nexus instruments linked to a laptop via GPS/USB to an outside monitor were fitted, and the swim ladder tucks into a tube off the transom in polypropylene with moulded plastic handles to avoid rust.
The Verdict
The Archambault 31 is a purpose-bred IRC racer-cruiser that does not pretend to be a pure cruiser: her broad transom, infused sandwich hull, and race-led deck layout favor speed and handling precision, while the clean moulded interior and six-berth plan keep weekending realistic. She is a thoroughbred, not a cottage.
Pros
- Responsive 6'3" spade rudder with four-sided engine access
- Race-ready cockpit: all lines aft, barber haulers, asymmetrical spinnaker setup
- Infused sandwich construction with broad, chine-free transom
- Practical tankage: visible fuel level, removable water bladder
Cons
- Small galley and only one hanging locker limit cruising comfort
- No bowsprit provision shown; narrow cabintrunk forward
- Fabric zip doors rather than solid private doors
