Humphreys combined a low displacement-to-length ratio with a beamy, chined hull and twin rudders—a deliberate move away from pure cruising comfort in favor of quick, grin-inducing sailing. The 310 displaces 8,267 pounds, carries 2,293 pounds of iron ballast, and has a 10-foot-6-inch beam carried well aft. When the breeze fills, it comes across as a small boat that thinks it’s a large one.
Design and Construction
The 310’s defining hull feature is its chine. It sits about 42 percent of the freeboard above the design waterline and begins near the mast. Aft of that point, the sections have a firm but not hard turn to the bilge, rising to the chine, followed by dead-flat topsides running to the deck. This shape gives the transom a 92-percent beam-to-maximum-beam ratio.
The numbers reinforce the impression. A displacement-to-length ratio of 158 and a length-to-beam ratio of 2.87 put the 310 firmly in the modern, wide-body performance camp rather than the narrow, heavy-cruiser tradition.
By the time Elan built the 310, the yard had already adopted vacuum-infused GRP construction. The Slovenian builder’s experience with composite series production also marks this as a thoroughly modern molded hull rather than a one-off.
Rig and Handling
The 310 carries a fractional sloop rig. Its headstay is set roughly eight inches aft of the stem, while the spreaders are swept 26 degrees to support a standard 107-percent jib. A retractable bowsprit on the port side expands the boat’s downwind options without cluttering the foredeck at anchor.
As the boat heels, the twin-rudder arrangement keeps at least one blade immersed. Sailingmagazine.net credited this feature with the 310’s poise when pressed.
Testers writing for sailingmagazine.net found the ease with which the boat reached high speeds amazing for a 31-footer. They also noted its light loads and described the helm as fabulous. Their assessment was of a boat made to be sailed fast by a sprightly couple willing to trade creature comforts for the grin.
Accommodations and Systems
Below, the 310 is honest about its priorities. Stowage is too limited for comfortable cruising beyond a long weekend, and the only hanging locker is in the quarterberth area. That sparseness reflects the design brief rather than an oversight: this boat suits a quick, agile pair who value sailing more than the saloon.
Tankage also points toward weekend use. The 310 carries 37 gallons of water and 12 gallons of diesel. Auxiliary power comes from a Volvo D1-20 rated at 18 horsepower.
Known Issues
No structural or systemic defects appear for this model. The chined hull and twin-rudder layout are design characteristics rather than flagged problems, while the minimalist stowage is a deliberate choice, not a failure.
Refits and Ownership
Owning a 310 largely means preserving the intent of the Humphreys hull. The Volvo D1-20 is a straightforward small diesel, and its 18-horsepower rating suits the boat’s light displacement for economical harbor work.
The retractable bowsprit and asymmetric-sail arrangement invite owners to add downwind gear. Beyond that, the core boat asks little more than routine GRP and rig care.
Verdict
The Elan 310 is a focused performance cruiser that delivers outsized speed and helm pleasure in a 31-foot package. The clear trade-off is reduced living space and limited long-range self-sufficiency. It’s a sailor’s boat, not a voyager’s floating apartment.
Pros
- Twin rudders maintain steering authority when heeled
- Chined, beamy hull delivers high speed with light loads
- Humphreys-designed fractional rig with swept spreaders and a port-side bowsprit
- Fabulous helm feel, according to period test sailing
Cons
- Minimal stowage limits comfortable cruising to long weekends
- Only one hanging locker, located in the quarterberth area
- Limited water and fuel capacity for extended use
