Design and Construction
Humphreys' hull for the 310 is defined by its chine, which sits about 42 percent of the freeboard above the design waterline and begins near the mast anchor. Aft of that point the sectional shape shows a firm but not hard turn to the bilge rising to the chine, then dead-flat topsides running to the deck, a form that gives the transom a 92-percent beam-to-max-beam ratio anchor. The numbers behind the shape tell the story: a displacement-to-length ratio of 158 and a length-to-beam ratio of 2.87 place her firmly in the modern wide-body performance camp rather than the narrow, heavy cruiser tradition. Elan built the 310 during the years when the yard had already moved to vacuum-infused GRP construction, and the Slovenian builder's background in composite series production frames this as a thoroughly modern molded hull rather than a one-off.
Rig and Handling
The 310 carries a fractional sloop rig with the headstay pulled aft roughly eight inches off the stem and spreaders swept 26 degrees, supporting a standard 107-percent jib anchor. A retractable bowsprit on the port side extends her downwind options without cluttering the foredeck at anchor. Twin rudders keep at least one blade immersed as she heels, a feature sailingmagazine.net credited with her poise when pressed anchor. Writing in sailingmagazine.net, testers found the ease with which high speeds were achieved amazing on a 31-footer, with light loads and a helm described as fabulous — a boat made to be sailed fast by a spritely couple who do not mind trading creature comforts for the grin anchor.
Accommodations
Below, the 310 is honest about her priorities. Stowage is too minimalist to cruise in comfort beyond a long weekend, and the only hanging locker sits in the quarterberth area anchor. That sparseness is not a defect but a brief: the boat suits a quick, agile pair who value the sail over the salon. The 37-gallon water and 12-gallon diesel capacities reinforce the weekend scope, serviced by a Volvo D1-20 18-horsepower auxiliary.
Known Issues
No structural or systemic defects appear for this model. The chined hull and twin-rudder layout are described characteristics rather than flagged problems, and the minimalist stowage is a design choice, not a failure.
Refits and Ownership
Ownership of a 310 centers on preserving the Humphreys hull's intent. The Volvo D1-20 is a straightforward small diesel, and the 18-horsepower rating matches the light displacement for economical harbor work. The retractable bowsprit and asymmetric sail setup invite owner-added downwind gear, but the core boat asks little beyond routine GRP and rig care.
The Verdict
The Elan 310 is a focused performance cruiser that delivers outsized speed and helm pleasure from a 31-foot package, at the clear cost of living space and long-range self-sufficiency. She is a sailor's boat, not a voyager's floating apartment.
Pros
- Twin rudders keep steering authority when heeled
- Chined, beamy hull yields high speed with light loads
- Humphreys fractional rig with swept spreaders and port bowsprit
- Fabulous helm feel per period test sailing
Cons
- Minimalist stowage limits cruising to long weekends
- Single hanging locker in quarterberth only
- Small water and fuel capacity for extended use
