Bombay Clipper 31 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Bombay Clipper 31 is a heavy-displacement cruiser that prioritizes stability and sea-kindliness over raw speed. With a displacement of approximately 11,000 pounds and a relatively high ballast-to-displacement ratio, the boat handles heavy weather with a composure that belies its 31-foot length. Its full keel, which features a cutaway forefoot and a draft of just under four feet, allows it to track exceptionally well on a reach or a run, though it lacks the close-hauled pointing ability of contemporary fin-keel designs.

In light air, the boat can feel sluggish due to its significant wetted surface area. However, it is designed as a "momentum boat"; once the hull is moving, it tends to power through chop without the hobby-horsing common in lighter vessels. Handling under power can be challenging for those accustomed to modern spade rudders; like many full-keelers, the Clipper 31 has a large turning radius and requires a firm hand in reverse to manage prop walk. Editorial notes from historic Good Old Boat archives suggest that the vessel feels "shippy" and secure, making it an excellent choice for a couple or solo sailor who values a predictable motion at sea over racing performance.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Bombay Clipper 31 was exceptionally spacious for the late 1970s, benefiting from a generous 10-foot 4-inch beam that is carried well forward. The layout typically features a traditional V-berth in the bow followed by a full-width head. The main saloon is characterized by two long settees—often with a fold-down table to maximize floor space—and a compact galley located aft near the companionway.

One of the standout features of the interior is the abundance of teak joinery, which gives the cabin a warm, traditional feel compared to the "molded liner" look of many high-volume production boats. Headroom is noteworthy, standing at roughly 6 feet 2 inches in the main cabin, which was a significant selling point for cruisers in this size bracket. Sibling models of the 31 include the smaller Bombay 26, which shares the same salty aesthetic but in a much more constrained package, and the Bombay 44 ketch, a much rarer and larger blue-water vessel built on a similar design philosophy.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats from this era, the Bombay Clipper 31 utilized a balsa-cored deck. Buyers should use a percussion hammer or moisture meter to check for soft spots around high-stress areas like the chainplates, stanchion bases, and the windlass mount.
• Chainplate Inspection: The chainplates are stainless steel and, as they age, are susceptible to crevice corrosion where they pass through the deck. Because these are often glassed-in or difficult to access, a thorough inspection of the fiberglass surrounding the mounts is critical to ensure no structural movement has occurred.
• Fuel Tank Corrosion: Many units were original built with aluminum or iron fuel tanks located in the bilge or under the cockpit sole. After 40+ years, these tanks are frequently at the end of their service life and can develop pinhole leaks.
• Compression Post: Ensure the wooden block or support structure beneath the deck-stepped mast has not compressed or succumbed to rot over time, which can lead to "the frown"—a slight dipping of the deck at the mast step.

Community & Resources

While there is no longer a dedicated factory support system for the Bombay line, owners frequently congregate within the broader Island Packet owner circles due to the shared Bob Johnson design DNA. The most active technical discussions occur within the Island Packet Owners Association and various Florida-based cruising forums, where the Clipper 31 is celebrated as a "cult classic" for coastal exploration.

The Verdict

The Bombay Clipper 31 is a robust, aesthetically charming cruiser that offers a high degree of safety and comfort for its price point. While it will never win a regatta, its shallow draft and heavy build make it an ideal platform for exploring the East Coast and Caribbean.

Pros:

• Classic, timeless "clipper" aesthetics that stand out in a marina.
• Exceptional stability and a comfortable motion in a seaway.
• Shallow draft (3' 11") is perfect for "skinny water" cruising.
• High-quality interior woodwork and impressive headroom for its size.

Cons:

• Poor light-air performance and limited upwind pointing ability.
• Maneuvering in tight marinas can be difficult due to the full keel.
• Older hulls often require significant "refit" labor for decks and tanks.