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14data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this HERRESHOFF 31 (CAT KETCH 31) buyer’s report

HERRESHOFF 31 (CAT KETCH 31)

Cat Ketch Corp.🇺🇸· Design: Halsey Herreshoff
1979–1986100 built
$1.7K – $4.6K est. annual maintenance
Coastal CruisermonoCat Ketch (unstayed)Fin

Specifications

Hull

LOA30.83 ft
LWL27.97 ft
Beam10.33 ft
Draft4 ft
Displacement7,560 lb
Ballast3,349.8 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL7.1 kn

Rig & Sails

Pmainsail luff34 ft
Emainsail foot14 ft
PYmizzen luff29 ft
EYmizzen foot11.5 ft
Mainsail257 sq ft

About the HERRESHOFF 31 (CAT KETCH 31)

Mainsail 242 sq.ft./22.48m2 Mizzen sail 151 sq.ft./14.03m2 Staysail 248 sq.ft./23.04m2

Sailpages Buyer's Take

Designed by Halsey Herreshoff and built by Cat Ketch Corp., the Herreshoff 31 is a distinctive cat ketch with an unstayed rig. A total of 100 hulls were constructed between 1979 and 1986, creating a small, specialized fleet known for its unique sailing characteristics.

Best for:
This boat suits experienced sailors who appreciate the simplicity and low maintenance of an unstayed cat ketch rig, particularly those seeking a manageable coastal cruiser with a comfortable motion.
Bluewater capability:
With a displacement of 7560.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.11, the boat offers a stable, heavy-displacement platform suitable for offshore passages, though its unstayed rig requires specific expertise for safe handling.
Comparables:
Comparable boats include other Herreshoff designs like the 33 and 36, as well as other cat ketches from the era such as the Folkboat or traditional cutter ketches, due to their shared emphasis on traditional rigging and heavy displacement.

Performance

Comfort18.1
Capsize2.11
SA/Disp16.4
Disp/Len154
Bal/Disp44.3

Pricing

We don't have market pricing data for the HERRESHOFF 31 (CAT KETCH 31) yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.

Estimated Cost of Ownership

Based on 30.83ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$1.7K – $4.6K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Annual Insurance
N/A
No price data available

Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

1 reported issues across 1 systems for the HERRESHOFF 31 (CAT KETCH 31), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

1 major
Rudder1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a HERRESHOFF 31 (CAT KETCH 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 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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Which engine powers your HERRESHOFF 31 (CAT KETCH 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: Universal — is it one of these?

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Used sails that fit the HERRESHOFF 31 (CAT KETCH 31)

Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…