Arietta 31 Information, Review, Specs

The vessel's heritage is deeply intertwined with the evolution of Swedish craftsmanship. Initially built by Erik Borg (Borgs Plast AB), production later moved to the yards that would form the foundation of Comfortbåtar AB. This era of production is characterized by a "belt and braces" approach to fiberglass layup, resulting in hulls that are exceptionally robust but significantly heavier than contemporary 31-footers. As noted in editorial retrospectives on Olle Enderlein's design legacy, his hulls were defined by their sea-kindliness and an ability to "go anywhere," a philosophy that the Arietta 31 embodies through its deep, long-keel profile and moderate masthead sloop rig.

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Arietta 31 is a stiff, dependable performer that prioritizes stability over outright acceleration. With a Ballast-to-Displacement ratio of approximately 45%, the boat is notably "over-ballasted" by modern standards, allowing it to stand up to its canvas long after lighter coastal cruisers are forced to reef. The technical ratios reflect this conservative but capable nature; a Displacement-to-Length (D/L) ratio exceeding 310 categorizes it firmly as a heavy cruiser, while its Motion Comfort Ratio of roughly 25.7 suggests a predictable, slow-motion response to choppy seas that minimizes crew fatigue.

The long keel provides excellent directional stability, allowing the boat to track as if on rails, which is a boon for solo sailors or those making longer coastal passages. However, this comes at the cost of maneuverability in tight quarters; like many long-keeled designs of its generation, the Arietta 31 can be challenging to reverse under power, often suffering from significant "prop walk" and a large turning circle. Owners frequently comment on the boat’s "steam-roller" effect—once it builds momentum, it punches through head seas with minimal hobby-horsing, a trait often missing in modern fin-keel designs.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Arietta 31 is a showcase of traditional Scandinavian joinery, typically finished in rich, oiled or varnished teak. The layout is a standard of the era, optimized for a crew of four to five. It features a forward V-berth, a marine head located between the salon and the forepeak, and two longitudinal settees in the main cabin. A compact galley is situated near the companionway, balanced by a small navigation station or quarter berth on the opposite side.

While the boat lacks the cavernous volume of contemporary wide-beam designs, it offers a "seaworthy" interior where everything is within reach when the boat is heeled. The headroom is approximately 5'11" (1.80m), which was considered generous for a 31-foot boat in the late 1960s. Variations exist depending on the building yard; Malö-built units often feature the trademark Malö windshield or more ornate cabinetry, whereas Comfortbåtar units are often recognized for their slightly more utilitarian but equally robust finishes. Some very early models were built with wooden hulls, though these are rare today and require specialized maintenance.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Arietta 31 with an understanding of its age, focusing on the structural integrity of the early GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) construction.

• Deck Core Saturation: Like many boats of this era, the Arietta 31 used sandwich construction for the decks. Check for "spongy" areas around stanchion bases and the mast step, which may indicate water ingress and rot in the core material.
• Keel-to-Hull Joint: The long keel is integrated into the hull, but the internal ballast (often iron or lead) can show signs of "weeping" if the fiberglass encapsulation has been breached by groundings.
• Original Engine Condition: Many units were originally fitted with the Volvo Penta MD2 or MD11 series. These engines are now at the end of their service lives, and finding parts can be difficult. A repowered unit with a modern Yanmar or Beta Marine diesel is a significant value-add.
• Rudder Bushings: The rudder is attached to the trailing edge of the keel. Over time, the bushings can wear, leading to a "thumping" sensation or play in the tiller.
• Chainplate Leaks: Inspect the bulkheads where the chainplates are bolted. Persistent leaks can rot the plywood bulkheads, compromising the rig's structural tension.

Community & Resources

The Arietta 31 enjoys a quiet but dedicated following in Northern Europe. Technical support and historical documentation are often shared through the Olle Enderlein Society (Olle Enderlein Sällskapet), which maintains an archive of the designer's drawings and specifications. Owners also frequent regional Scandinavian forums to exchange advice on maintaining the Arvika-built fleet, though English-language resources are more limited.

The Verdict

The Arietta 31 is a "sailor’s sailboat" for those who value traditional aesthetics and heavy-weather security over modern amenities and speed.

Pros:

• Extreme Stability: The high ballast ratio and long keel make it one of the safest 31-footers for heavy weather.
• Build Quality: Hand-laid fiberglass hulls from this era are famously thick and durable.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Classic Enderlein lines that remain elegant in any marina.

Cons:

• Docking Difficulty: The long keel makes tight-quarters maneuvering and reversing a specialized skill.
• Limited Interior Volume: Narrow beam and traditional layout feel cramped compared to modern 30-footers.
• Age-Related Maintenance: Buyers must be prepared for potential deck core repairs and engine overhauls.