Design Brief & Swedish Lineage
The underwater profile and hull form of the CR 310 have a rich pedigree in Baltic yacht racing and cruising. Södergren’s design first entered the water in 1983 as the Crown 31, built by Crown Marine in Oxelösund. The fast hull was subsequently licensed and refined as the Inferno 31, produced by both Crown Marine and Finngulf Marine in Finland. In the early 2000s, the design evolved into the Saint 313 under Saint Boats. When Charles Rutgersson’s yard adopted the molds to build the CR 310, they modernized the deck layout, modified the cockpit ergonomics, and elevated the interior appointments to match the demanding "Orust standard" of luxury cabinetry. Following the end of production in 2008, the molds were acquired by CR Composite in Dals Långed, where the vessel was briefly marketed as the Cryss 31, often sold as a semi-custom or owner-finished cruiser. This lineage shows a hull design refined over decades of real-world cruising, resulting in a stiff, sea-kindly hull that easily handles the short, steep chop of the North and Baltic Seas.
Interior Layout & Scandinavian Joinery
Stepping down the companionway reveals an accommodation plan that prioritizes warmth, hand-finished woodwork, and practical ergonomics. The interior is built primarily of premium Khaya mahogany, treated with multiple coats of hand-rubbed satin varnish, which complements the solid wood corner posts, laminated deck-beam supports, and high-grade cabin sole.
The layout is arranged logically for life at sea. To port of the companionway is an L-shaped, forward-facing galley. It is equipped with a gimbaled stove and oven, deep double stainless steel sinks, pressurized freshwater, and a highly insulated cold box fitted with an active refrigeration plate. Directly aft of the galley is the entrance to the private aft cabin. This space features a double berth arranged athwartships—measuring a generous 2.08 meters by 1.25 meters—alongside dedicated hanging locker space and storage shelving.
To starboard of the companionway is the enclosed head. It includes an integrated wet locker specifically designed to drain bilge water from foul weather gear, with a clever secondary access hatch that opens directly into the cockpit. Forward of the head is a compact nav station with a dedicated chart table, electronics mounting panel, and electrical switchboard. The central saloon consists of two straight, longitudinal settees flanking a centerline drop-leaf dining table. In the bow, separated from the saloon by a solid mahogany door, the private forepeak offers a traditional V-berth measuring two meters in length, complete with dual wardrobes and ample under-berth storage. The deck layout incorporates opening hatches and portlights that assure excellent ventilation, a critical aspect of Scandinavian multi-season cruising.
Rigging, Performance & On-Water Handling
The CR 310 utilizes a fractional rig with a powerful, easily managed sail plan. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of 18.9, the boat is remarkably responsive in light breezes, standing out from its heavier Orust peers. The relatively large mainsail provides the bulk of the driving power, while the smaller headsail makes short-handed tacking highly manageable. However, the boat's athletic rig means it can feel lively in gusty conditions; experienced owners and German and Swedish maritime reviews suggest reefing the mainsail early to maintain an optimal heel angle and helm balance.
Under the water, the yacht is configured with a high-aspect, lead fin keel. Lead's superior density compared to iron allows for a slimmer profile and a lower center of gravity. This keel, combined with a remarkable ballast-to-displacement ratio of 41.67 percent, provides immense righting moment and exceptional stiffness. A Displacement-to-LWL ratio of 246.66 classifies the boat as a moderate-displacement cruiser, giving it enough inertia to punch through chop without losing speed, yet keeping it light enough to remain agile.
Directional control is maintained via a deep, balanced spade rudder on a partial skeg, which gives a positive, feather-light feel at the helm. The yacht's safety under offshore conditions is confirmed by its Capsize Screening ratio of 1.87, well below the traditional ocean-racing limit of 2.0, while its Comfort Ratio of 25.01 guarantees a predictable, soft motion in a seaway.
Ownership Economics & Modernization
Under power, the CR 310 is typically equipped with a reliable 18-horsepower Volvo Penta diesel engine connected to a saildrive with a folding propeller. Some hulls were upgraded from the factory with a 28-horsepower Volvo Penta MD2030, which delivers an outstanding power reserve when motoring into heavy head seas. The engine compartment is heavily insulated and easily accessed by tilting the companionway stairs forward.
The hull and deck are constructed using hand-laid fiberglass sandwich construction with a high-grade balsa or foam core. This technique maximizes stiffness and strength while offering superior thermal insulation to prevent cabin condensation in cold climates.
On the brokerage market, the CR 310 commands a premium relative to mass-production French or American boats of similar length, sustained by its build quality and rarity. Buyers inspecting a used CR 310 should pay close attention to several key areas:
- Teak Decks: Many hulls were specified with laid teak decks. After decades of exposure, the teak may require re-caulking, sanding, or complete replacement if water has compromised the bedding.
- Saildrive Diaphragm: The Volvo Penta saildrive rubber seal should be inspected, as the manufacturer recommends replacement every seven years.
- Structural Grid: The internal fiberglass grid matrix that distributes keel loads should be checked for signs of hard grounding stress.
Modernization efforts among the owner community typically focus on updating the electrical systems. Replacing the original lead-acid house battery banks with modern lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) systems is highly popular, as it fits well within the storage cavities under the salon settees. Many owners also convert the cabin's original halogen lighting to low-power LEDs and upgrade to modern navigation electronics at the helm.
The Verdict
The CR 310 is a rare, beautifully constructed Scandinavian cruiser that successfully marries the offshore safety and high-end cabinetry of an Orust build with the sailing joy of a Håkan Södergren design. It is an ideal yacht for discerning couples or small families who appreciate fine woodworking, want a boat that can stand up to heavy weather, and refuse to accept the uninspiring sailing performance of typical modern high-volume cruisers.
Pros
- Superior Scandinavian build quality with exquisite Khaya mahogany joinery.
- Exceptional sailing performance and stiffness, courtesy of a lead keel and a high ballast ratio.
- Well-proven, seaworthy hull design with an offshore-capable capsize screening factor.
- Highly functional deck layout and ergonomic cockpit designed for shorthanded sailing.
- Sandwich construction provides excellent insulation against cold temperatures and condensation.
Cons
- High price premium on the used market compared to mass-produced competitors.
- Powerful sail plan requires early reefing to prevent the boat from feeling over-canvased in heavy gusts.
- High-maintenance teak decks on many models require careful inspection and eventual refitting.
- Limited internal volume and aft-cabin elbow room compared to modern, wide-stern cruisers.
- Sourcing manufacturer-specific spare parts can be challenging due to the limited production run.
