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Nicholson 31

Designer: Raymond Wall  ·  Builder: Camper & Nicholson Ltd.  ·  First built: 1976
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About the Nicholson 31

Bearing the respected Camper & Nicholsons name, the Nicholson 31 carries a pedigree that speaks volumes before a single specification is considered. Produced by one of Britain's most storied boatbuilders, this vessel reflects the craftsmanship and design philosophy that made Nicholsons a benchmark for quality in the British sailing world during the latter half of the twentieth century. Built for those who take their sailing seriously, the Nicholson 31 is widely regarded as a capable and confidence-inspiring offshore cruiser. Its hull form prioritizes seakeeping and stability, making it well suited to coastal passages and open-water voyaging where conditions can change quickly and reliability matters most. Sailors who have owned one frequently speak to its sturdy construction and reassuring behavior in challenging weather. For the prospective buyer, the Nicholson 31 represents an entry into a loyal and knowledgeable ownership community, which can be invaluable when sourcing parts, advice, or simply understanding the boat's quirks. If you're searching for a classic British cruiser with a genuine offshore character and a heritage worth knowing, the Nicholson 31 deserves a close look.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 30.54 ft / 9.31 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 24.17 ft / 7.37 m
Beam 10.20 ft / 3.11 m
Max Draft 5.00 ft / 1.52 m
Displacement 13,005.00 lb / 5,899 kg
Ballast 4,800.00 lb / 2,177 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 484.00 ft² / 44.97 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long keel w/trans. hung rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Raymond Wall
Builder Camper & Nicholson Ltd.
First Built 1976
Last Built 1980
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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
194
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
14.05
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
34.95
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
1.74
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. 6.59
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
0.93
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. 880.89
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 39.2
J (Foretriangle Base) 12.6
P (Mainsail Luff) 34.87
E (Mainsail Foot) 13.58
SA Fore 246.96
SA Main 236.77
How It Compares

vs. Cape Dory 30 Mk Ii, Sabre 30 3, Seawind Allied, Tanzer 31

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Nicholson 31 ★
30.5 ft
Cape Dory 30 Mk Ii
30.5 ft
Sabre 30 3
30.6 ft
Seawind Allied
30.5 ft
Tanzer 31
30.6 ft
LWL
Nicholson 31 ★
24.2 ft
Cape Dory 30 Mk Ii
24.2 ft
Sabre 30 3
25.5 ft
Seawind Allied
24.0 ft
Tanzer 31
25.0 ft
Beam
Nicholson 31 ★
10.2 ft
Cape Dory 30 Mk Ii
10.5 ft
Sabre 30 3
10.5 ft
Seawind Allied
9.3 ft
Tanzer 31
10.5 ft
Displacement
Nicholson 31 ★
13 lbs
Cape Dory 30 Mk Ii
10 lbs
Sabre 30 3
9 lbs
Seawind Allied
12 lbs
Tanzer 31
8 lbs
Ballast
Nicholson 31 ★
4 lbs
Cape Dory 30 Mk Ii
4 lbs
Sabre 30 3
3 lbs
Seawind Allied
4 lbs
Tanzer 31
3 lbs
Sail Area
Nicholson 31 ★
484 sq ft
Cape Dory 30 Mk Ii
Sabre 30 3
461 sq ft
Seawind Allied
502 sq ft
Tanzer 31
468 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Nicholson 31 ★
194 s/nm
Cape Dory 30 Mk Ii
192 s/nm
Sabre 30 3
Seawind Allied
Tanzer 31
165 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Nicholson 31 ★
14.1
Cape Dory 30 Mk Ii
Sabre 30 3
16.6
Seawind Allied
15.4
Tanzer 31
18.3
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Nicholson 31 ★
Cape Dory 30 Mk Ii
40.0 %
Sabre 30 3
Seawind Allied
35.0 %
Tanzer 31
39.8 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Nicholson 31 ★
35.0
Cape Dory 30 Mk Ii
Sabre 30 3
23.5
Seawind Allied
36.9
Tanzer 31
21.0
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Nicholson 31 ★
1.74
Cape Dory 30 Mk Ii
Sabre 30 3
1.99
Seawind Allied
1.62
Tanzer 31
2.08
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Nicholson 31 ★
Cape Dory 30 Mk Ii
331
Sabre 30 3
Seawind Allied
387
Tanzer 31
237
Hull Speed
Nicholson 31 ★
6.6 kts
Cape Dory 30 Mk Ii
Sabre 30 3
6.8 kts
Seawind Allied
6.6 kts
Tanzer 31
6.7 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Nicholson 31 ★
0.9
Cape Dory 30 Mk Ii
Sabre 30 3
2.1
Seawind Allied
1.0
Tanzer 31
2.4
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