Design and Construction
At 30ft 7in overall, 24ft 2in on the waterline, and 10ft 3½in in beam, the Nicholson 31 carries 5.8 tons of displacement and a long keel with encapsulated lead ballast. Construction was conventional, hand-laid GRP to Lloyds specifications, with balsa-cored decks and coachroof, and the hull is very solidly constructed. Most of the interior — galley, heads, and furniture bases — is built from moulded modules bonded to the hull and allied to stringers and frames, producing a very strong unit. A 65-gallon water tank forms part of the keel moulding, while beneath the cockpit sole sits the 17-gallon fuel tank and batteries are below the quarterberth. The sheerline is pretty, the stem curves gently, the aft sections show slight tumblehome, and a businesslike transom-hung rudder finishes the profile.
Rig and Handling
The Nicholson 31's conservative rig and moderate displacement mean she is not the fastest in light air, but the design emphasis falls on comfort and seakindliness rather than speed. Under main alone she could be easily controlled and tacked, ideal for close-quarters manoeuvring, and if left to herself she would slowly luff up, tack, sail off, and repeat, virtually marking time on the same spot. With two rolls in the main and the No. 1 jib on a beam reach she sailed happily at about 6 knots, and hardened up in a short stopping sea her weight drove her through at a steady 4 knots. Even when laid fairly far over she stayed well balanced and could steer herself for long periods, and in gusts showed only a little weather helm. Test sailors found her surprisingly dry, with nothing passing the dodgers into the cockpit.
Accommodations
Below, the Nicholson 31 makes extensive use of teak trim and joinery. The saloon looks snug at first sight because the settees are brought far inboard to free stowage space, but those settees are aligned with the centreline and make good seaberths with trotter boxes. A useful pilot berth to port faces a bank of overhead lockers to starboard, and there is a vast amount of stowage outboard of and under the settees plus in the forepeak. The boat carries six berths and around 6ft of headroom. The layout reflects the original design brief: displacement enough to accommodate equipment and stores for extended cruising and the necessary accommodations for a go-anywhere cruiser.
Equipment and Options
A Yanmar 2QM20 22hp engine powers the Nicholson 31. A Hydrovane self-steering gear was offered as an option and was judged adequate for the boat, reinforcing her character as a comfortable and easily handled cruising boat of the go-anywhere variety. With 200 litres of water and 78 litres of fuel, the systems support extended time aboard without frequent replenishment.
The Verdict
The Nicholson 31 is a limited-production British cruiser with genuine bluewater credentials and a reputation as a go-anywhere boat; many have crossed the Atlantic. She is strongly built, well balanced, and dry, if modest in light-air pace. For a buyer wanting a manageable offshore companion with character, she remains a considered choice.
Pros
- Exceptional build quality with heavy solid GRP layup and balsa-cored decks
- Well balanced and easily handled, including under main alone in close quarters
- Extensive stowage and six berths with teak joinery
- Proven ocean-passage record including Atlantic crossings
Cons
- Moderate displacement and conservative rig limit light-air speed
- Only 120 built, so finding one takes patience
- Long keel and 5ft draft suit passages more than tight marina hopping
