NICHOLSON 31
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 30.54 ft |
| LWL | 24.17 ft |
| Beam | 10.2 ft |
| Draft | 5 ft |
| Displacement | 13,005 lb |
| Ballast | 4,800.1 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.6 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 39.2 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 12.6 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 34.87 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 13.58 ft |
| FLforestay | 12.6 ft |
| Mainsail | 502.7 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 247 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 419.8 sq ft |
Engine
| Yanmar | 2QM2022 hpSee all 40 parts → |
About the NICHOLSON 31
The NICHOLSON 31 replaced the NICHOLSON 32, and proved to be nearly as popular. The folkboat type design appealed to serious long distance cruisers and single-handers.
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° | 4.0 | 4.7 | 5.2 | 5.7 | 6.0 | 6.2 | 6.3 |
| 60° | 4.2 | 5.0 | 5.6 | 6.0 | 6.2 | 6.4 | 6.6 |
| 75° | 4.5 | 5.2 | 5.8 | 6.2 | 6.4 | 6.6 | 6.9 |
| 90° | 4.5 | 5.5 | 6.1 | 6.4 | 6.6 | 6.7 | 6.9 |
| 110° | 4.6 | 5.6 | 6.2 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 7.0 | 7.3 |
| 120° | 4.5 | 5.4 | 6.1 | 6.5 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.5 |
| 135° | 4.1 | 5.0 | 5.8 | 6.3 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 7.3 |
| 150° | 3.6 | 4.4 | 5.2 | 5.9 | 6.3 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
| Beat VMG | 2.6 | 3.1 | 3.4 | 3.7 | 4.0 | 4.2 | 4.3 |
| Run VMG | 3.1 | 3.9 | 4.5 | 5.2 | 5.8 | 6.2 | 6.7 |
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
11 listings · boat years 1976–1978 · median $25,920
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 30.54ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Featured YouTube Videos
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
3 reported issues across 2 systems for the NICHOLSON 31, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a NICHOLSON 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 3 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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Engine Parts & Maintenance
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Used sails that fit the NICHOLSON 31
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…