The Val 31 is with a quick, snappy motion best suited to day sailing.
Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
7.1 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 27.8′, the Val 31 tops out around 7.1 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √27.8′ LWL = 7.1 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
Comfort Ratio
1.6
Quick, snappy motion — better for day sails and racing than long passages.
Capsize Screening
7.70
Above the 2.0 offshore threshold — best suited for coastal and protected waters.
Hull Speed
7.1kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
15lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
Motion & Offshore Suitability
Two ratios that matter most when you're planning passages — how the boat feels in a seaway, and whether the hull geometry is suitable for open ocean.
Comfort Ratio
1.6
Quick, snappy motion — better for day sails and racing than long passages.
Under 20 — Snappy, racing motion
20–30 — Acceptable coastal
30–40 — Good offshore comfort
Over 40 — Very comfortable offshore
Capsize Screening Formula
7.70
Above the 2.0 offshore threshold — best suited for coastal and protected waters.
Under 2.0 — Acceptable for offshore
Over 2.0 — Coastal / protected waters
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Val 31 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Maxi 95
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Val 31.
| Val 31 | Farr 12 Ton 65 | Maxi 95 | Puma 32 | Spirit 32 | Van De Stadt 30 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 31.2 | 31.3 | 31.2 | 31.2 | 31.1 | 31.1 |
| LWL | 27.8 | 23.9 | 25.6 | 24.6 | — | 22.3 |
| Beam | 25.0 | 10.8 | 10.5 | 10.3 | 10.4 | 10.3 |
| Displacement | 2 | 5 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 |
| Ballast | — | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| Sail Area | 440 | 512 | 402 | 418 | — | 424 |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | — | — | 174 | — | — | — |
| SA/Disp | — | 27.6 | 14.4 | 16.6 | — | 15.0 |
| Bal/Disp | — | 48.7 | — | — | 42.9 | — |
| Comfort | 1.6 | 12.7 | 23.5 | 21.0 | 22.5 | 27.0 |
| Capsize | 7.70 | 2.51 | 1.99 | 2.06 | — | 1.93 |
| Hull Speed | 7.1 | 6.6 | 6.8 | 6.7 | 6.9 | 6.3 |