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Hughes 31
Designer: Sparkman & Stephens  ·  Builder: Hughes Boat Works Ltd. (Can)  ·  First built: 1979
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About the Hughes 31

Built during the late 1970s, this moderate displacement cruiser emerged from the design board of renowned naval architect Sparkman & Stephens, bringing their racing pedigree to the family cruising market. The Hughes 31 represents a thoughtful balance between performance and comfort that characterized quality production boats of its era. With her traditional lines and well-proportioned profile, this sailboat exhibits the classic S&S aesthetic that sailors have long admired. The design emphasizes seaworthiness and stability, making her well-suited for coastal cruising and protected offshore passages. Her moderate beam and sensible sail plan provide manageable handling characteristics for couples or small crews. The Hughes 31 gained recognition for solid construction quality and attention to detail in both hull and interior appointments. Her accommodations typically feature a practical layout that maximizes the available space while maintaining the structural integrity essential for blue water capability. While production numbers remained relatively limited, those who have owned and sailed the Hughes 31 often praise her predictable handling characteristics and ability to maintain speed in varied conditions. For sailors seeking a well-bred cruiser with proven offshore DNA, this model represents an interesting option in the vintage sailboat market.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 31.00 ft / 9.45 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 24.00 ft / 7.32 m
Beam 9.67 ft / 2.95 m
Max Draft 5.00 ft / 1.52 m
Displacement 9,100.00 lb / 4,128 kg
Ballast 3,350.00 lb / 1,520 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Sparkman & Stephens
Builder Hughes Boat Works Ltd. (CAN)
First Built 1979
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
191
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
36.81
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
293.87
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. 4.97 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 14.51
J (Foretriangle Base) 12.80 ft / 3.90 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 394.00 ft² / 36.60 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) 293.87
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