Bar Harbor 31 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Bar Harbor 31 are defined by the dramatic difference between its static and sailing waterlines. While the boat sits at 31 feet when upright, the long overhangs—characteristic of the pre-Universal Rule era—immerse as the boat heels, significantly increasing the effective waterline length and, consequently, the hull speed. This design allows the BH31 to plane through the water with a "sweetness" on the helm that Nathanael Herreshoff’s designs are legendary for. Originally rigged as gaff sloops, many surviving examples were later converted to Marconi rigs to simplify handling and improve upwind performance.

In heavy air, the BH31 is a powerful and occasionally wet ride. Its low freeboard and deep, weighted keel provide excellent stability, but the vessel’s momentum in a seaway requires an experienced hand. According to historical accounts from the Herreshoff Marine Museum, the class was known for being exceptionally fast on a reach, though they required careful sail management to avoid burying the lee rail in gusty conditions. The tracking is generally superb due to the long keel profile, though the lack of a modern spade rudder means the turning radius is larger than contemporary sailors might expect.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Unlike many dedicated racing machines of the era, the Bar Harbor 31 was designed with a functional cabin to accommodate the summer cruising lifestyle of its original owners. The interior layout was classically appointed in the "Herreshoff style," featuring white-painted bulkheads contrasted with varnished mahogany trim. The accommodations typically included two settee berths in the main salon, a small galley area, and a forward V-berth for crew or storage.

While the "31" refers to the waterline, the interior volume is more akin to a modern 35-foot boat due to the narrow beam and tapering ends. Headroom is functional but not expansive, reflecting the boat's primary purpose as a day racer and occasional weekender. Variations among the thirteen original hulls were minimal at the time of construction, as the Mount Desert Yacht Club enforced strict one-design rules to maintain the integrity of the fleet. However, over the past century, various refits have seen some boats stripped for racing while others, such as the well-known survivor Vaquero, have had their interiors meticulously restored to reflect their original Edwardian luxury.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Bar Harbor 31 class holds a significant place in the social history of the American Northeast. The original owners were a "Who's Who" of the Gilded Age, including names like Vanderbilt and Rockefeller, who used these boats to compete for prestige in the Bar Harbor racing circuit. The class is frequently featured in maritime literature discussing the evolution of one-design racing and is a staple subject for historians at the Herreshoff Marine Museum. The survival and high-profile restoration of hulls like Vaquero (Hull #598) and Joker have been documented in editorial features by wooden boat enthusiasts, highlighting the enduring appeal of the class's lines.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective owners or restorers of a Bar Harbor 31 must contend with the challenges inherent in century-old wooden construction. While Herreshoff was a pioneer in high-quality manufacturing, the boats were built for performance and often featured lightweight framing that pushed the limits of the materials.

• Fastener Fatigue: The BH31 was originally built using bronze screws and copper rivets. Over a century, "sick" fastenings (dezincification or physical wear) can lead to plank movement. A thorough survey of the fastener heads and a "pull test" are essential.
• Frame Integrity: Herreshoff used steamed oak frames. In many older models, these frames can crack at the turn of the bilge or suffer from "nail sickness" where the wood has softened around the fastener.
• Hull-to-Deck Joint: Given the long overhangs, these boats experience significant leverage and "racking" forces. Leaks at the deck edge are common and can lead to rot in the sheer strake and deck beams.
• Iron Floors: Many Herreshoff designs utilized cast iron floors for structural strength and ballast support. These are prone to corrosion, which can expand and "blow out" the wood of the keel or frames.
• Mast Step and Chainplates: The tension of the rig—especially if converted to a modern high-tension Marconi setup—puts immense strain on the original structure. Look for compression damage at the mast step and "working" (movement) around the chainplate attachments.

Community & Resources

The primary authority for technical data and historical preservation is the Herreshoff Marine Museum, which manages the America’s Cup Hall of Fame and maintains the most comprehensive archive of Nathanael Herreshoff’s work. Owners also benefit from the Herreshoff Catalogue Raisonné, a scholarly project that provides a digitized database of the construction records, original contracts, and technical specifications for every hull built by the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, including all thirteen Bar Harbor 31s.

The Verdict

The Bar Harbor 31 is a breathtaking piece of maritime history that offers a sailing experience defined by elegance and speed. It is not a boat for the casual owner; it is a commitment to the stewardship of a masterpiece.

Pros

• Pedigree: Designed by Nathanael Herreshoff, the most celebrated naval architect in American history.
• Aesthetics: Unrivaled "Golden Age" lines that command attention in any harbor.
• Sailing Quality: Exceptional balance and speed, particularly in light to moderate air.
• Historical Value: A rare opportunity to own one of only thirteen original hulls.

Cons

• Maintenance: Extreme upkeep requirements associated with vintage wooden hulls.
• Draft and Length: The deep keel and nearly 50-foot LOA make it difficult to find suitable dockage in some historic harbors.
• Technical Demand: Requires an experienced crew to manage the large sail area and traditional handling characteristics.