With limited documentation available, the Balaton 31 represents one of the more obscure entries in the 31-foot sailboat category. Named after Lake Balaton, Central Europe's largest freshwater lake, this design likely emerged from the Eastern European boatbuilding tradition that flourished during the latter half of the 20th century. Based on its origins and size class, the Balaton 31 appears designed primarily for coastal cruising and lake sailing, making it well-suited for protected waters and moderate offshore passages. The boat's heritage suggests practical construction methods and robust engineering typical of Eastern European designs, which often prioritized durability and functionality over luxury appointments. While comprehensive specifications remain elusive, boats of this era and origin typically featured solid fiberglass construction, simple but effective sail plans, and accommodations designed for weekend cruising or extended lake sailing. The Balaton 31 would appeal most to sailors seeking an affordable entry into cruising or those drawn to unique designs with interesting provenance. Given the limited available information, prospective buyers should conduct thorough inspections and research individual examples carefully, as documentation and parts availability may present challenges compared to more mainstream production boats.
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What is the Balaton 31's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Balaton 31 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 19.79. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Balaton 31's comfort ratio?
The Balaton 31 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 23. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Balaton 31 safe for offshore sailing?
The Balaton 31 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.94. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Balaton 31?
The theoretical hull speed of the Balaton 31 is 6.58 knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Balaton 31 weigh?
The Balaton 31 has a displacement of 8,047.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 31.00 ft.
Who designed the Balaton 31?
The Balaton 31 was designed by Gunnar Cardell, first built in 1973.