Prout Quest 31 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Quest 31 utilizes a "mast-aft" cutter rig, a signature Prout configuration where the mast is stepped significantly further aft than on a typical sloop. This creates a small, easily handled mainsail and a large primary headsail, often supplemented by a staysail. This setup is designed for short-handed cruising, allowing the helm to control the bulk of the sail area via furling gear without leaving the cockpit. While the Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio is conservative, making the boat feel somewhat underpowered in light airs (under 10 knots), it excels in heavy weather. Owners often report that the boat feels exceptionally planted and safe when the wind rises above 20 knots, a trait supported by its narrow hulls and low center of gravity.

Handling under power is unique due to the Quest 31’s typical propulsion setup: a single inboard engine connected to a steerable Sillette Sonic outdrive leg located centrally behind the bridge deck. This "steerable leg" allows the Quest 31 to turn in its own length, partially compensating for the lack of twin-engine maneuverability found on larger catamarans. However, the solid bridge deck and low clearance mean the boat is prone to "slamming" or "pounding" when heading directly into a choppy head sea, a common trade-off for its generous interior volume.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 31-foot vessel, the Quest 31 offers an interior volume that rivals 36-foot monohulls of the same era. The centerpiece is the bridge-deck saloon, which provides a panoramic view and a social seating area that remains rare in boats of this size. The "pod" design—a small nacelle extending below the bridge deck—allows for standing headroom in the saloon without creating an excessively high profile.

The Quest 31 was typically configured with three cabins: a double berth in the forward section of the bridge deck and single or double berths located in the aft sections of the port and starboard hulls. The galley is usually located "down" in the starboard hull, while the heads and navigation station occupy the port hull. This separation provides excellent privacy for a small crew. The Quest 33 and the later Quest 33CS (Club Special) were built on an evolved version of this hull, offering a slightly wider beam and an updated interior layout with improved molding finishes and more modern joinery.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Quest 31 with a focus on structural integrity and mechanical maintenance peculiar to older multihulls.

• The Sillette Sonic Drive: The steerable outdrive leg is a critical component. If the leg has not been regularly serviced, the lifting mechanism can seize, and the universal joints can wear. Inspect the bellows and the leg’s pivot points for signs of corrosion or lack of grease.
• Bridge Deck Windows: The large forward-facing windows on the bridge deck are notorious for developing leaks over time as the hull flexes. Check for water staining on the interior liners and evidence of "crazing" in the acrylic.
• Bulkhead Attachment: While Prout hulls are robustly built, older models can show signs of secondary bonding fatigue where the bulkheads meet the hull. Look for "working" marks or cracking in the fiberglass tabbing.
• Delamination and Core: While the hulls are generally solid GRP below the waterline, the decks and coachroof may use balsa or foam cores. Use a phenolic hammer to check for dull thuds that might indicate delamination, particularly around stanchion bases and the mast step.
• Standing Rigging Tension: Because of the mast-aft rig, the forestay takes an enormous amount of load. Inspect the chainplates and the forestay attachment point on the forward bridge deck for any signs of stress cracking or deformation.

Community & Resources

The Prout brand is supported by a dedicated and highly technical owner base. The Prout Owners Association is the primary repository for technical manuals, original brochures, and modification guides. Because many Quest 31s were sold as "owner-completion" kits, this association is an essential resource for identifying whether a specific boat’s interior was professionally fitted or amateur-built.

The Verdict

The Prout Quest 31 remains a top-tier choice for sailors seeking a budget-friendly, bluewater-capable multihull. It sacrifices speed and windward performance for safety, durability, and a level of comfort that is difficult to find in any other 31-foot platform.

Pros:

• Exceptional interior volume and panoramic bridge-deck saloon.
• The mast-aft rig is very easy to manage single-handedly.
• Extremely stable and safe in heavy weather conditions.
• Shallow draft (approx. 2' 9") allows for "drying out" and exploring shallow bays.

Cons:

• Low bridge deck clearance leads to pounding in head seas.
• Poor upwind performance compared to modern daggerboard catamarans.
• The single-engine outdrive requires specialized maintenance.
• Conservative sail area makes it sluggish in light winds.