East Coast 31 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The East Coast 31 is renowned for its exceptional stiffness and upwind tenacity, a direct result of its high ballast ratio, which often approaches 50%. With a lead fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, the boat tracks with remarkable precision even in a following sea—a condition that often unsettled more radical IOR contemporaries. According to technical archives at Histoire des Halfs, the model features a displacement-to-length ratio (D/L) of approximately 280, categorizing it as a moderate-to-heavy displacement cruiser that prioritizes momentum over snappy acceleration.

In light air, the masthead sloop rig provides a respectable sail area-to-displacement ratio (SA/D) of 16.25, allowing it to remain competitive in club racing. However, the boat truly shines when the breeze exceeds 15 knots. Its tumblehome hull shape provides significant reserve buoyancy as the boat heels, though owners often note that sailing the boat "on its ear" can increase drag; it is most efficient when kept at a moderate angle of heel. The skeg-hung rudder is a hallmark of Cole’s design philosophy, offering a balanced feel at the helm and providing a layer of protection against debris that many modern spade-rudder designs lack.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 31-foot yacht of its vintage, the East Coast 31 offers a surprisingly functional and private interior layout. The design features a generous 6-foot headroom at the companionway, though this tapers as one moves forward toward the V-berth. One of the most distinctive features is the "walk-through" head arrangement, which utilizes sliding doors to separate the forward cabin and the main salon, creating a private en-suite feel that was revolutionary for a vessel of this size in the 1970s.

The accommodation typically includes a double V-berth forward, two settees in the salon (which can often be converted into bunks), and a single or double quarter berth to port or starboard depending on the engine configuration. Early models were criticized for a lack of natural light, which later iterations addressed by adding larger portlights or perspex panels in the cockpit locker areas. While the East Coast 31 is the primary production model, its design DNA is shared with the Cole Nantucket 31, which featured a more modern deck molding and refined interior, and the larger Bounty 35, which scaled the same "wineglass" hull form for extended offshore cruising.

Popular Mentions & Media

The East Coast 31’s racing pedigree is cemented in Australian yachting history. Hulls such as Storm Bay and Chauvinist were regular fixtures in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race during the 1970s and 80s, with Storm Bay claiming a notable victory in the 1975 Sydney-Brisbane race. The model has also been the subject of extensive technical praise in Australian sailing literature; the voyaging yacht Pandora II was famously featured in a series of articles in Cruising Helmsman magazine, detailing seven successful voyages to Tasmania and documenting the boat's ability to handle the notoriously treacherous Bass Strait. Today, the class's legacy is preserved through events like the inaugural "East Coast 31 Cup" held on Sydney’s Pittwater.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus on three primary areas during survey. First, osmosis is a well-documented issue with 1970s-era GRP hulls from this yard; while rarely structural, it often requires significant peel-and-glass work if left untreated. Second, the mast step is located directly atop the keel, and in boats with salt-water accumulation in the bilge, the aluminum mast base is prone to severe electrolysis and corrosion.

The engine installation also warrants close inspection. Some East Coast 31s were fitted with the engine "backwards," utilizing a V-drive or specialized gearbox to direct the shaft aft. This configuration can make routine maintenance, such as water pump or alternator access, exceptionally difficult. Additionally, original models often featured mild steel engine mounts and fuel tanks that are now reaching the end of their service life and may show signs of heavy oxidation.

The Verdict

The East Coast 31 is a robust, ocean-capable yacht that offers a high level of safety and traditional aesthetics at an accessible price point.

Pros:

• Excellent heavy-weather stability and tracking thanks to the 50% ballast ratio and skeg-hung rudder.
• Clever interior layout with genuine privacy for the head and forward cabin.
• Proven blue-water pedigree with multiple Bass Strait and Tasman Sea crossings on record.

Cons:

• High susceptibility to hull osmosis in early production years.
• Tumblehome hull design can be "wet" in a chop and loses efficiency if over-canvassed.
• Tight engine compartments in certain layouts make DIY maintenance a challenge.