Designed during Cal Yachts' heyday in the 1970s, this 31-footer represents the California builder's commitment to creating affordable performance cruisers for the growing recreational sailing market. Cal Yachts built a strong reputation for producing boats that balanced sailing capability with practical cruising features, and the Cal 31 continues this tradition. Built with a moderate displacement hull and fin keel configuration typical of the era, the Cal 31 offers responsive sailing characteristics that make it well-suited for coastal cruising and weekend adventures. The boat's design reflects the West Coast sailing philosophy of prioritizing performance without sacrificing comfort, making it an appealing choice for sailors who want to enjoy spirited day sails while having the capability for extended cruising. The interior layout maximizes the available space with practical accommodations for a small crew, while the cockpit provides comfortable sailing and entertaining areas. Like many Cal designs, the 31 features solid fiberglass construction that has proven durable over the decades. Today, the Cal 31 remains popular among sailors seeking an affordable entry into larger boat ownership, offering the perfect combination of manageable size and capable performance for coastal waters.
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- Condition, year, location, and included equipment are not factored in.
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What is the Cal 31's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Cal 31 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 17.95. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Cal 31's comfort ratio?
The Cal 31 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 24.07. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Cal 31 safe for offshore sailing?
The Cal 31 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.91. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Cal 31?
The theoretical hull speed of the Cal 31 is 6.79 knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Cal 31 weigh?
The Cal 31 has a displacement of 9,170.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 31.50 ft.
How much does a used Cal 31 cost?
Based on 10 recent market listings, used Cal 31 sailboats typically sell for between $9,000 and $19,999, with a median asking price of $11,750. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the Cal 31?
The Cal 31 was designed by William Lapworth, first built in 1979.