
ELAN 431
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 42.58 ft |
| LWL | 37.73 ft |
| Beam | 13.12 ft |
| Draft | 6.4 ft |
| Displacement | 18,078 lb |
| Ballast | 5,951.3 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 8.2 kn |
About the ELAN 431
Widely seen in the European Med/Adriatic charter trade. The ELAN 43 is thought to be similar.
The Elan 431 is a masthead sloop designed by J&J Design and built by Elan in Slovenia, with production records indicating a build year of 1989. As a representative of late-80s European cruising yachts, it offers a balance of performance and comfort with a displacement of 18078.0 lb and a beam of 13.12 ft.
- Best for:
- This vessel suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize interior volume and ease of handling over extreme offshore endurance. Its moderate displacement and fin keel configuration make it well-suited for protected waters and shorter passages.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 2.0 and a comfort ratio of 23.13, the Elan 431 is designed for coastal and nearshore cruising rather than heavy bluewater passagemaking. Its relatively light displacement and fin keel suggest it is best kept within sight of land or in well-charted coastal routes.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats from this era include the Beneteau First 43 and the Bavaria 43, which share similar dimensions and a focus on performance-oriented cruising. These models offer similar masthead sloop rigs and interior layouts, providing direct competition in the mid-40-foot market.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(1 certificate)
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 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 5.1 | 6.2 | 6.9 | 7.3 | 7.5 | 7.6 | 7.7 |
| 60° | 5.4 | 6.5 | 7.1 | 7.5 | 7.7 | 7.8 | 7.9 |
| 75° | 5.6 | 6.7 | 7.3 | 7.6 | 7.9 | 8.0 | 8.2 |
| 90° | 5.5 | 6.6 | 7.3 | 7.7 | 8.0 | 8.1 | 8.5 |
| 110° | 5.4 | 6.7 | 7.5 | 7.9 | 8.2 | 8.5 | 9.0 |
| 120° | 5.2 | 6.5 | 7.4 | 7.8 | 8.2 | 8.5 | 9.3 |
| 135° | 4.7 | 5.9 | 6.9 | 7.6 | 8.0 | 8.3 | 9.1 |
| 150° | 3.9 | 5.1 | 6.1 | 6.9 | 7.3 | 7.7 | 8.3 |
| Beat VMG | 3.2 | 4.0 | 4.6 | 5.0 | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.4 |
| Run VMG | 3.4 | 4.4 | 5.3 | 5.9 | 6.4 | 6.8 | 7.7 |
Market Price
Asking price by model year
8 listings · boat years 1993–1997 · median $65,065
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 42.58ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
1 reported issues across 1 systems for the ELAN 431, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a ELAN 431? 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 1 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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