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Rival 31
Designer: Peter Brett  ·  Builder: Marine Construction (Uk)  ·  First built: 1969
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About the Rival 31

Designed by Peter Brett and built by Marine Construction (UK) starting in 1969, this 31-footer represents classic British yacht design philosophy emphasizing seaworthiness and solid construction. The Rival 31's fiberglass hull features a fin keel with rudder on skeg configuration, providing good directional stability while maintaining reasonable performance under sail. With a displacement of 11,200 pounds and 4,480 pounds of ballast, this masthead sloop carries the weight and stability characteristics that make it well-suited for serious coastal cruising and limited offshore passages. The comfort ratio of 31.86 indicates a motion that's on the moderate side—stiff enough for confident sailing yet comfortable for extended cruising. The capsize screening formula of 1.73 falls within acceptable parameters for offshore capability, though the design clearly prioritizes seaworthiness over pure speed. The Rival 31's proportions, with a 24.50-foot waterline length and 9.67-foot beam, create a balanced platform that should handle a variety of conditions competently. Hull speed calculations suggest a maximum of 6.63 knots under ideal conditions. This yacht appeals to sailors seeking a dependable, well-built cruiser that emphasizes safety and comfort over racing performance, making it particularly attractive for couples or small families planning coastal adventures.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 31.00 ft / 9.45 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 24.50 ft / 7.47 m
Beam 9.67 ft / 2.95 m
Max Draft 4.67 ft / 1.42 m
Displacement 11,200.00 lb / 5,080 kg
Ballast 4,480.00 lb / 2,032 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Peter Brett
Builder Marine Construction (UK)
First Built 1969
Associations Rival Owners Association
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Performance Ratios
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
 40
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
 339.99
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
 31.86
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
 1.73
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. 6.63 kn
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. 846.52 pounds/inch
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Watermota
Engine Model Sea Wolf
Engine Type Gas
Water Capacity 30 gals / 114 L
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