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Hullmaster 31
Designer: Edward S. Brewer  ·  Builder: Hullmaster Boats, Ltd. (Can)  ·  First built: 1973
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About the Hullmaster 31

Designed by Edward S. Brewer and built by Canadian manufacturer Hullmaster Boats Ltd. from 1973 to 1979, this 31-foot cruising sailboat represents classic 1970s sailing yacht philosophy with its emphasis on seaworthiness and comfort over speed. The long keel configuration provides excellent directional stability and a forgiving sailing character, making it particularly well-suited for coastal cruising and short-handed sailing. With a displacement of 10,350 pounds and substantial ballast ratio, the Hullmaster 31 offers the kind of solid, predictable motion at sea that appeals to cruising sailors who prioritize comfort and safety. The masthead sloop rig with 455 square feet of sail area provides adequate power for most conditions while remaining manageable for smaller crews. Her beam of 9.25 feet creates reasonable interior volume within the compact 31-foot length overall. The impressive comfort ratio of 32.73 and conservative capsize screening value of 1.7 indicate this yacht's suitability for extended coastal passages and potentially offshore work in the hands of experienced sailors. While not designed for racing, the Hullmaster 31 excels as a traditional family cruiser that prioritizes seakeeping ability and crew comfort over outright performance.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 31.25 ft / 9.53 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 22.67 ft / 6.91 m
Beam 9.25 ft / 2.82 m
Max Draft 4.67 ft / 1.42 m
Displacement 10,350.00 lb / 4,695 kg
Ballast 4,350.00 lb / 1,973 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 455.00 ft² / 42.27 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Edward S. Brewer
Builder Hullmaster Boats, Ltd. (CAN)
First Built 1973
Last Built 1979
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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
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
15.38
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
42.03
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
396.59
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
32.73
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
1.7
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. 6.38 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
1.06
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. 749.27 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. 15.39
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 37.50 ft / 11.43 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 12.50 ft / 3.81 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 32.00 ft / 9.75 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 13.80 ft / 4.21 m
SA Fore 234.38 ft² / 21.77 m²
SA Main 220.80 ft² / 20.51 m²
SA Total (100%) 455.18 ft² / 42.29 m²
Est. Forestay Length 39.53 ft / 12.05 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Faryman
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 12
Fuel Capacity 15 gals / 57 L
Water Capacity 34 gals / 129 L
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