Sailing Performance & Handling
The sailing characteristics of the Midget 31 are defined by its heavy displacement and long keel configuration. With a displacement of approximately 5,200 kg and a ballast ratio of nearly 40%, the boat exhibits high initial stability and a predictable, soft motion in a seaway. The double-ended hull is particularly effective in following seas, as the pointed stern prevents waves from "slapping" or pushing the transom off-course, a trait often praised in editorial reviews of the Bekebrede designs.
Under sail, the Midget 31 is not a light-air racer; its high displacement-to-length ratio indicates a hull that requires a stiff breeze to reach its hull speed. However, once the wind exceeds 12–15 knots, the boat settles into a steady groove, tracking exceptionally well due to the long keel. The standard sloop rig is simple to manage, though many owners opt for a cutter rig to better balance the sail plan in heavy weather. While the long keel provides excellent directional stability, it does present challenges in tight marina maneuvering, particularly in reverse, where the "prop walk" is pronounced and the rudder response is delayed until sufficient flow is established.
Interior Comfort & Variations
Inside, the Midget 31 defies its 31-foot LOA by utilizing a beam of 3.10 meters and significant freeboard to create an interior comparable to many 34-foot yachts. The layout typically features a spacious U-shaped saloon, a full galley to port, and a dedicated navigation station to starboard. One of its most distinctive features is the aft cabin, which is unusually large for a double-ender of this size, often providing a comfortable double berth that avoids the cramped "coffin-like" feel found in many older designs.
The woodwork is traditionally finished in high-quality teak or mahogany, reflecting the yard’s roots in bespoke construction. Headroom is a significant selling point, often exceeding 1.90 meters in the main cabin. While the Midget 31 is the primary focus, it shares its DNA with its smaller siblings, the Midget 26 and Midget 20. The 31-foot hull has seen minor variations over its production run, primarily in the cockpit configuration and the inclusion of a swimming platform on more recent custom builds. Unlike the open-cockpit Efsix or Sailhorse models from the same builder, the Midget 31 is a fully enclosed cruiser designed for extended live-aboard comfort.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers of a Midget 31 should focus their inspections on the specific structural areas common to heavy-displacement GRP cruisers of this era:
- Rudder Bushings and Play: Due to the pressure exerted on the large rudder blade during heavy weather, the bushings can wear over time. Check for excessive play in the tiller or steering wheel assembly.
- Teak Deck Integration: Some Midget 31s were delivered with teak-overlay decks. As these age, the potential for moisture ingress through the fastenings increases. A moisture meter test on the core is highly recommended for these specific hulls.
- Engine Service Access: While the Yanmar or Volvo Penta engines typically installed are robust, the engine compartment is located under the companionway. Inspect for signs of deferred maintenance in hard-to-reach areas like the stern gland or raw water intake.
- Chainplates and Rigging: Given the boat’s Category A rating, many have seen significant blue-water miles. Inspect the stainless steel chainplates for crevice corrosion and ensure the standing rigging has been replaced within the last decade if the boat has been used for offshore passages.
Community & Resources
The Midget 31 benefits from a very active and dedicated owner community, primarily centered in the Netherlands but extending across Northern Europe. The most prominent resource is the Midgetclub, a formal association of owners that maintains a technical archive and organizes annual rallies. This group is the primary authority for technical queries regarding the Midget 15, 20, 26, and 31 models, providing a wealth of knowledge on specific refit projects and historical build variations.
The Verdict
The Midget 31 is a "big" small boat, offering the structural integrity and interior volume of a blue-water cruiser in a compact, 31-foot package. It is an ideal vessel for the sailor who prioritizes safety, comfort, and traditional aesthetics over raw speed or modern "wedge" hull performance.
Pros:
- Exceptional seaworthiness and Ocean Category A certification.
- Superb interior volume and headroom for a 31-foot double-ender.
- Robust Dutch build quality with high-grade interior joinery.
- Shallow draft (1.35m) allows access to coastal regions and inland waterways inaccessible to deeper yachts.
Cons:
- Sluggish performance in light wind conditions.
- Difficult to maneuver in reverse due to the long keel and prop walk.
- High displacement makes it less responsive than modern fin-keel cruisers.
