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Continental 31
 ·  First built: 1965
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About the Continental 31

Introduced in 1965, this fiberglass masthead sloop represents classic mid-century sailboat design with its traditional long keel configuration. At 31 feet overall with a waterline length of 25.58 feet, the Continental 31 offers a balanced combination of seaworthiness and manageable size for coastal cruising and moderate offshore passages. The boat's long keel design provides excellent tracking and directional stability, making it forgiving for newer sailors while delivering the steady motion favored by experienced cruisers. With a displacement of 9,000 pounds and beam of 8 feet, this sailboat strikes a practical balance between interior volume and sailing performance. The 5.30-foot draft limits access to some shallow anchorages but contributes to impressive windward ability. A comfort ratio of 32.03 indicates excellent motion characteristics in a seaway, while the capsize screening formula of 1.54 suggests good stability for offshore work. The 325 square feet of sail area provides adequate power without being overwhelming to handle. Built during an era when cruising boats emphasized seaworthiness over speed, the Continental 31 appeals to sailors seeking a traditional sailing experience with proven ocean-going capabilities in a size suitable for couples or small families.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 31.00 ft / 9.45 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 25.58 ft / 7.80 m
Beam 8.00 ft / 2.44 m
Max Draft 5.30 ft / 1.62 m
Displacement 9,000.00 lb / 4,082 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 325.00 ft² / 30.19 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
First Built 1965
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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
222
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
12.06
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
240.05
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
32.03
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
1.54
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 6.78 kn
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
1.72
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 731.20 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 12.06
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 33.00 ft / 10.06 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 12.80 ft / 3.90 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 26.80 ft / 8.17 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 8.50 ft / 2.59 m
SA Fore 211.20 ft² / 19.62 m²
SA Main 113.90 ft² / 10.58 m²
SA Total (100%) 325.10 ft² / 30.20 m²
Est. Forestay Length 35.40 ft / 10.79 m
How It Compares

vs. Controversy 31, Longbow 31 Westerly, Rival 31

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Continental 31 ★
31.0 ft
Controversy 31
31.0 ft
Longbow 31 Westerly
31.0 ft
Rival 31
31.0 ft
LWL
Continental 31 ★
25.6 ft
Controversy 31
26.7 ft
Longbow 31 Westerly
25.0 ft
Rival 31
24.5 ft
Beam
Continental 31 ★
8.0 ft
Controversy 31
5.4 ft
Longbow 31 Westerly
9.5 ft
Rival 31
9.7 ft
Displacement
Continental 31 ★
9 lbs
Controversy 31
7 lbs
Longbow 31 Westerly
9 lbs
Rival 31
11 lbs
Ballast
Continental 31 ★
Controversy 31
Longbow 31 Westerly
4 lbs
Rival 31
4 lbs
Sail Area
Continental 31 ★
325 sq ft
Controversy 31
Longbow 31 Westerly
371 sq ft
Rival 31
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Continental 31 ★
222 s/nm
Controversy 31
204 s/nm
Longbow 31 Westerly
Rival 31
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Continental 31 ★
12.1
Controversy 31
Longbow 31 Westerly
13.4
Rival 31
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Continental 31 ★
32.0
Controversy 31
Longbow 31 Westerly
27.0
Rival 31
31.9
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Continental 31 ★
1.54
Controversy 31
Longbow 31 Westerly
1.80
Rival 31
1.73
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Continental 31 ★
240
Controversy 31
164
Longbow 31 Westerly
Rival 31
339
Hull Speed
Continental 31 ★
6.8 kts
Controversy 31
Longbow 31 Westerly
6.7 kts
Rival 31
6.6 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Continental 31 ★
1.7
Controversy 31
Longbow 31 Westerly
1.7
Rival 31
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