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Controversy 31
Designer: E. F. Butler  ·  Builder: Mount Desert Yacht Yard (Usa)  ·  First built: 1960
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About the Controversy 31

Shrouded in mystery due to limited available documentation, this 31-foot sailboat represents an intriguing entry in the world of cruising yachts. Despite the scarcity of detailed specifications, the Controversy 31's very name suggests it may have sparked debate among sailors and marine industry observers during its production era. Based on its length and the typical design philosophy of boats from this size range, the Controversy 31 likely targets coastal cruising enthusiasts seeking a manageable yet capable vessel. The 31-foot length places it in the sweet spot for couples or small families looking for weekend getaways and extended coastal adventures without the complexity of larger offshore cruisers. Without comprehensive technical data available, prospective buyers should approach this model with careful research and thorough inspection. The limited documentation may reflect a smaller production run or a manufacturer that has since ceased operations, which could impact parts availability and service support. For sailors drawn to unique or lesser-known designs, the Controversy 31 might offer distinctive character that sets it apart from more common production boats. However, the sparse information available makes professional survey and expert evaluation particularly crucial for anyone considering purchase.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 31.00 ft / 9.45 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 26.67 ft / 8.13 m
Beam 5.42 ft / 1.65 m
Max Draft 5.25 ft / 1.60 m
Displacement 7,000.00 lb / 3,175 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction Wood
Designer E. F. Butler
Builder Mount Desert Yacht Yard (USA)
First Built 1960
Owner Reviews

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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
204
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
164.73
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. 3.1 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 17.76
J (Foretriangle Base) 10.75 ft / 3.28 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 405.00 ft² / 37.63 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) 164.73
How It Compares

vs. Longbow 31 Westerly, Rival 31, Spencer 31

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Controversy 31 ★
31.0 ft
Longbow 31 Westerly
31.0 ft
Rival 31
31.0 ft
Spencer 31
31.0 ft
LWL
Controversy 31 ★
26.7 ft
Longbow 31 Westerly
25.0 ft
Rival 31
24.5 ft
Spencer 31
24.0 ft
Beam
Controversy 31 ★
5.4 ft
Longbow 31 Westerly
9.5 ft
Rival 31
9.7 ft
Spencer 31
9.2 ft
Displacement
Controversy 31 ★
7 lbs
Longbow 31 Westerly
9 lbs
Rival 31
11 lbs
Spencer 31
9 lbs
Ballast
Controversy 31 ★
Longbow 31 Westerly
4 lbs
Rival 31
4 lbs
Spencer 31
3 lbs
Sail Area
Controversy 31 ★
Longbow 31 Westerly
371 sq ft
Rival 31
Spencer 31
440 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Controversy 31 ★
204 s/nm
Longbow 31 Westerly
Rival 31
Spencer 31
192 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Controversy 31 ★
Longbow 31 Westerly
13.4
Rival 31
Spencer 31
15.9
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Controversy 31 ★
Longbow 31 Westerly
27.0
Rival 31
31.9
Spencer 31
28.9
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Controversy 31 ★
Longbow 31 Westerly
1.80
Rival 31
1.73
Spencer 31
1.74
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Controversy 31 ★
164
Longbow 31 Westerly
Rival 31
339
Spencer 31
Hull Speed
Controversy 31 ★
Longbow 31 Westerly
6.7 kts
Rival 31
6.6 kts
Spencer 31
6.6 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Controversy 31 ★
Longbow 31 Westerly
1.7
Rival 31
Spencer 31
1.7
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