Golden Hind 31 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Golden Hind 31 is defined by its "triple keel" configuration—a deep central long keel supplemented by two heavy steel bilge plates. This arrangement provides exceptional directional stability, making the boat famously easy to steer on long passages, though it does result in a larger turning circle and a reluctance to "tack on a dime" in tight quarters. The hard-chine hull design offers high initial stability; as noted in editorial testing by Yachting Monthly, the boat is exceptionally stiff and "sea-kindly," with the bilge plates acting as dampeners to reduce rolling in a sea.

Performance under sail varies significantly between versions. The original sloop rig featured a modest 32-foot mast and approximately 370 square feet of sail, yielding a low Sail Area/Displacement (SA/D) ratio that can make the boat feel sluggish in light winds. However, the later Mark II variant addressed this with a 39-foot cutter rig and 510 square feet of sail, allowing it to reach hull speed more consistently. While not a "grayhound" of the sea, the Golden Hind 31 is respected for its ability to maintain progress in heavy weather when lighter fin-keel cruisers are forced to seek shelter.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel of its era and waterline length, the interior of the Golden Hind 31 is remarkably voluminous. Most layouts provide a traditional five-berth configuration: a V-berth in the forward cabin, a pull-out double in the saloon, and a single settee berth. The beam of 9 feet, while narrow by modern standards, is utilized effectively to provide over six feet of headroom throughout the main cabin. The use of mahogany for internal joinery and coamings gives the space a warm, traditional aesthetic that matches its rugged exterior.

Variations in construction significantly impact the interior experience. The Hartwell-built wooden boats are admired for their classic craftsmanship, whereas the Terry Erskine GRP versions offer easier maintenance with their fiberglass hulls, though they typically retain wooden decks and coachroofs. The Mark II versions, built in the mid-1990s by Golden Hind Marine and later Newson Boatbuilders, often feature upgraded interiors with superior joinery and more contemporary galley layouts.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Golden Hind 31’s reputation for seaworthiness is well-documented in nautical literature. Maurice Griffiths, who served as the editor of Yachting Monthly for decades, frequently discussed the design’s merits in his own writings, emphasizing its "swatchway" capabilities—the ability to explore shallow tidal estuaries where deeper vessels cannot venture. The boat’s offshore pedigree was cemented by legendary voyages, including a documented rounding of Cape Horn and numerous solo transatlantic passages.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

The most critical area for any prospective buyer is the integrity of the wooden components, particularly on GRP-hull versions. Because these boats often feature marine plywood decks sheathed in glass and epoxy, any breach in the sheathing around stanchions or cleats can lead to localized rot that spreads through the core.

• Deck and Coachroof Core: Use a moisture meter or perform a "tap test" across the deck and coachroof. Spongy areas or dull thuds often indicate water ingress into the plywood structure.
• Bilge Plate Fastenings: The steel bilge plates are through-bolted into a heavy internal steel frame. Inspect these bolts and the frame for signs of corrosion or "weeping," which can compromise the structural attachment.
• Rudder Play: Many owners report wear in the pintles and bushings where the rudder attaches to the skeg. Check for excessive lateral movement while the boat is hauled out.
• Bulkhead Rot: Rainwater leaks from the cockpit often migrate toward the aft bulkheads. Check the bases of these bulkheads and the engine beds for signs of wood decay.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support and historical data is the Eventide Owners Group, which serves as the official association for Maurice Griffiths' designs. This group maintains an extensive archive of original drawings, restoration logs, and a registry of hull numbers, making it an essential resource for owners of the Golden Hind 26, 31, and 34.

The Verdict

The Golden Hind 31 remains a premier choice for the traditionalist sailor who prioritizes stability and shallow-water exploration over raw speed.

Pros:

• Extreme directional stability; "tracks like it's on rails."
• Shallow draft and bilge keels allow for "drying out" and gunkholing.
• Proven blue-water pedigree with numerous successful circumnavigations.
• Generous interior volume and headroom for its size.

Cons:

• Sluggish performance in light airs, particularly with the standard sloop rig.
• High maintenance requirements for the wooden deck and coachroof.
• Heavy weather helm can develop if the sail plan is not balanced correctly.
• Large turning circle makes maneuvering in tight marinas challenging.