I'm considering a HR 31 for cruising based East Coast UK but have not yet seen one (none on the HR stand at Southampton either).

I should be very grateful for any input from an existing owner about the boat, in particular:

(1) Any thoughts on the performance of the shallow draught version? HR website does its best to put you off!

(2) How many people can comfortably be in the cockpit at the same time - I have the impression from photos that it is significantly smaller than in the HR 34?

(3) Is the aft cabin a bit narrow for 2? How feasible is it to sleep two on the saloon berths?

(4) Any other comments, favourable or not?

Many thanks.

By Carl Neumann on Monday, September 17, 2001 - 02:31 am:

David,
I am the owner of HR31 - 136 (USA). Answering your questions.....
1. I have the standard keel, so cannot comment on the shoal draft version, but for sure it would not go to weather quite as close as the standard version.
2. Cockpit...sails with 4 maximum...eats or drinks six.
3. The aft cabin is adequate for 2. It is not too narrow.
4. My only comment is that is a perfect 31 foot boat.
Carl Neumann, HR31-136 SATORI

By Bruno Verdet on Monday, September 17, 2001 - 07:30 pm:

Hi David,
We have a 31 in France.
She is small, but not too, we choose her because she is perfect for two, for mid-range cruising
in Med:
Easy to manage, fast and comfortable.
We have also the standard keel and agree to Carl's
comments, except we prefer the front cabin, and
saloon berths are nice for night sailing.
Bruno Verdet, HR 31-23 Kailash.

By Carl Neumann on Wednesday, September 19, 2001 - 01:33 am:

David,
A couple other things about the 31...
When the main is out completely, the mainsheet will chafe against the cockpit seat and the sprayshield frame/canvas dodger. This is not as problematic as it sounds - the chafe is only slight and the boat should be tacked downwind because of the swept-back spreaders.
If you get a 31 with pedestal steering, available cockpit room will be greatly diminished. The tiller will give you maximum room as of course it can be folded up when not in use.
Some owners do not like the aluminum toerail as deckwash can streak down the hull (a minor cosmetic issue). The toerail however is good for block attachment (boom preventer, asymmetrical rigging, etc.). Carl, Satori HR 31-136

By Petr Goerner on Friday, February 22, 2002 - 05:24 am:

I woud like to buy a HR-31, but instead of tiller,i'm prefering a steering wheel.Anyone with
this option on HR-31 ,who can coment before I make desision to buy this otion with the boat.His or her advice and coment would be velcome by hamble beginner.

By Peter Slevin on Friday, February 22, 2002 - 09:58 pm:

Petr

I have had a 312 and a 34 with wheel steering and a 31 with tiller. I have a 34 on order and I have specified tiller steering because of the more positive control it gives as well as the extra cockpit space in harbour and also, the cost. The wheel probably looks smarter mind you. Hope this helps.

Peter Slevin

By patagonia on Saturday, April 06, 2002 - 03:47 am:

I have an H31 with standard keel.Why would you be considering a shallow draft? I have a problem when an excellent design which was conceived with the standard keel, then gets modified with a shallow keel, it does not make sense, it has not been structured to carry a different keel. If one has limitations on the depth, then I would start with a design that has originally design with a shallow keel.
The HR 31 is the perfect boat for 2 or for a family with kids.

J-M Castro

By Giuliano Toffoli on Tuesday, June 08, 2004 - 10:21 pm:

Daer Team,
I have a 31 number 96, which experienco do you have on Teak maintenace,
thanks

By patagona on Friday, June 11, 2004 - 04:58 pm:

There are a couple of threads in this site that may be of your interest.