CAPE 31
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 31.36 ft |
| LWL | 28.97 ft |
| Beam | 10.17 ft |
| Draft | 8.04 ft |
| Displacement | 3,902.18 lb |
| Ballast | 1,565.2 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.2 kn |
About the CAPE 31
Designed by Mark Mills and built by Cape Performance Sailing in South Africa starting in 2017, the Cape 31 is a modern fractional sloop with a displacement of 3902.18 lb and a max draft of 8.04 ft. While the exact build count is unspecified, owner reports highlight significant structural concerns that potential buyers must investigate thoroughly.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and performance-oriented sailors who prioritize speed and modern fractional rigging, provided they are prepared for rigorous maintenance of structural components.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low D/L ratio of 71.65 and a capsize ratio of 2.59, the Cape 31 is designed for performance rather than heavy offshore stability, making it suitable for protected coastal passages but requiring caution in heavy offshore conditions due to its light displacement.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other modern 30-foot performance cruisers like the Beneteau First 33 or Nauticat 33, the Cape 31 shares a similar emphasis on light displacement and fractional rigs, though it distinguishes itself with South African build quality and specific structural vulnerabilities.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(46 certificates)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 4.5 | 6.0 | 7.0 | 7.5 | 7.7 | 7.9 | 8.1 | 8.3 | 8.2 |
| 60° | 4.8 | 6.3 | 7.2 | 7.8 | 8.1 | 8.3 | 8.5 | 8.7 | 8.8 |
| 75° | 5.1 | 6.5 | 7.3 | 8.1 | 8.6 | 8.9 | 9.2 | 9.6 | 9.8 |
| 90° | 4.9 | 6.4 | 7.3 | 8.0 | 8.8 | 9.5 | 10.0 | 10.7 | 11.2 |
| 110° | 4.9 | 6.5 | 7.7 | 8.5 | 9.1 | 9.7 | 10.3 | 11.8 | 13.1 |
| 120° | 4.8 | 6.4 | 7.6 | 8.7 | 9.6 | 10.3 | 11.0 | 12.3 | 13.6 |
| 135° | 4.0 | 5.7 | 7.1 | 8.1 | 9.3 | 10.6 | 11.9 | 13.9 | 15.8 |
| 150° | 3.3 | 4.8 | 6.1 | 7.1 | 8.0 | 9.0 | 10.2 | 13.5 | 16.9 |
| Beat VMG | 2.9 | 4.0 | 4.8 | 5.2 | 5.4 | 5.6 | 5.6 | 5.7 | 5.7 |
| Run VMG | 2.9 | 4.1 | 5.3 | 6.1 | 7.0 | 7.8 | 8.9 | 11.7 | 14.7 |
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
6 listings · boat years 2018–2022 · median $220,000
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 31.36ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
14 reported issues across 8 systems for the CAPE 31, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CAPE 31? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 14 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
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Which engine powers your CAPE 31?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the CAPE 31
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