Hughes 31 Sailboats for Sale & Market Overview

Drawing Diagram

Builder drawing

Hull type

Monohull · fin

Rig

Masthead Sloop

LOA

31' · 9.45 m

Displ.

9,100 lbs · 4,128 kg

First year

1979

The Hughes 31 represents a refined chapter in Canadian maritime history, emerging as a sophisticated evolution of the Sparkman & Stephensdesigned Northstar 1000. Originally conceived under the Northstar banner during US Steel’s ownership of Hughes Boat Works, the design was rebranded and updated when Howard Hughes repurchased the firm in 1977. As a product of the legendary Sparkman & Stephens office (Design 2098C6), the Hughes 31 carries the hallmark traits of the IOR (International Offshore Rule) era, blending a graceful, traditional sheer line with a robust fiberglass layup intended for the challenging conditions of the Great Lakes and the North Atlantic coast. While the hull remained largely consistent with its predecessor, the "31" designation marked an era of improved interior appointments and a more cruiseroriented deck layout, catering to the growing market of family sailors who demanded both pedigree and comfort.