Design and Construction
The A31’s hull uses vacuum-infused, resin-glass sandwich construction, with an injection-infusion structural liner and a composite deck. Canadian Boating described the construction process as environmentally sound.
Maximum beam is carried aft, producing an extremely broad transom, but the hull has no chines. Instead, a relatively soft turn to the bilge aft and plenty of flare in the topsides provide volume without hard edges.
Below, handholds correspond with the through-hull bolts that secure the jib tracks. An inspection port in the deck allows the lifting bridle to pass through when the boat is hauled.
Rig, Deck Layout, and Handling
The fractional rig has double swept spreaders, an aluminum mast and boom, and Dyform rigging. All control lines lead back to the cockpit, while a 105% jib and Harken 46.2 two-speed self-tailing winches help keep sail handling manageable.
Built-in barber haulers allow the crew to move the jib’s sheeting angle outboard without shifting the jib car. The narrow forward cabintrunk permits an 11-degree sheeting angle to the jib tracks. Aft of the helmsman, the mainsail trimmer works with a 9:1 mainsheet purchase, an 8:1 backstay, and a Ronstan traveller.
The spinnaker is launched and retrieved through the forward hatch. The A31 carries a masthead spinnaker but is rigged to race with an asymmetrical sail. Harken 40.2 cabintop winches handle the kite, and the racing package includes a carbon-fiber pole. No bowsprit provision is shown.
Canadian Boating’s test found that the 6-foot 3-inch spade rudder gave the boat a very responsive feel. The A31 review also noted molded-in foot braces that help the crew maintain its footing when the boat is heeled.
Cockpit and Accommodations
The large cockpit includes a super-sized aft locker that can hold a life raft, fenders, and lifejackets. A well aft is dedicated to the life raft.
Below, the A31 sleeps six and combines an aft double berth, a well-appointed galley, an enclosed aft master suite, and a spacious head with work and storage space. The head is aft to starboard, with a double quarterberth to port. The small galley is also to port, while the icebox sits to starboard beside the chart table. There is only one hanging locker.
The clean, molded interior has no lining. Owner reports also note that there is no forward bulkhead into the V-berth, allowing sails to be stored flat without bending. Light, warm wood, clean white finishes, and modern microfiber upholstery dress the cabin. All the doors are fabric with zippers for privacy, and headroom below is six feet.
Engine and Systems
The standard auxiliary is a 14 HP Nanni diesel, with a saildrive option for 20 HP. The engine can be reached from four sides for servicing.
An opaque plastic fuel tank makes consumption visible at a glance. The water tank uses a removable bladder for easier cleaning, and the electrical panel is sized so an adult can work on it without contortion.
Nexus instruments linked to a laptop through GPS/USB and then to an outside monitor were fitted. The swim ladder slides into a polypropylene tube off the transom and has molded plastic handles intended to avoid rust.
Verdict
The Archambault 31 is a purpose-built IRC racer-cruiser that doesn’t pretend to be a pure cruising boat. Its broad transom, infused sandwich hull, and racing-oriented deck layout favor speed and precise handling. At the same time, the clean molded interior and six-berth arrangement make weekending realistic. It’s a thoroughbred, not a cottage.
Pros
- Responsive 6-foot 3-inch spade rudder
- Engine access from four sides
- Race-ready cockpit with all lines led aft, barber haulers, and an asymmetrical-spinnaker setup
- Infused sandwich construction with a broad, chine-free transom
- Practical tankage, including a visible fuel level and removable water bladder
Cons
- Small galley and only one hanging locker limit cruising comfort
- No bowsprit provision shown
- Narrow forward cabintrunk
- Fabric zippered doors rather than solid doors for privacy
