ELAN 31
The Elan 31s were laid up by hand using polyester resins and have laminated bulkheads, frames, and stringers. The balsacored deck is through-bolted and over laminated for maximum strength. There were fin and shoal keel options and the deep fin offered with cast iron or lead ballast.
Despite her conservative beam the accommodation feels spacious. Headroom is just under 6ft, and the saloon layout user friendly, but the doors are narrow. The saloon has two long sea berths/settees and a drop-leaf table, which can seat six. The smart teak joinery has lasted well and offers a warm, traditional feel and the cabin is bright thanks to the white, moulded deckhead and long portlights. The aft cabin is roomy with a comfortable double berth and good clearance under the cockpit sole. There is a small locker and shelf, but all the space beneath the berth is occupied by the batteries and fuel tank.
The E31 has well organised decks that are easy to get around. The cockpit has parallel seats set perfectly apart for easy bracing. The tiller can be hinged up when lounging at anchor and the transom has a small GRP gate between the seats to access the small step and folding ladder. The cruising rig has a twin, swept spreader Seldén mast with single lowers and caps led to the same chainplate. The gas/spring kicker is adjusted from the cockpit and the split backstay sports a 6:1 adjuster.
Under sail she is nippy but easy to control thanks to a well-balanced sail plan and slippery underwater hull sections. She is surprisingly stiff and points within 35° of the apparent wind without losing speed. She’s unarguably a sprightly performer and a delight to sail.