Carronade
Member
I have not seen any recent article on this excellent cruiser. Both Practical Boat Owner and Yachting Monthly reviewed it when the design first appeared in the 70’s. To make matters worse it seems to get missed when listing boats of similar specifications as suitable second hand cruising boats.
I own a Colvic Motor Sailer 31 and wonder if there is a class association? It would be interesting to hear from other people who own one of these craft or perhaps have an interest in them.
Why it was called the MS 31 is a mystery as the length is almost 32 ft. The ‘Atlanta 32’ has the same moulding by Ardleigh Laminated Plastics (Colvic) but was fitted out by Atlanta Marine. I believe that other professional builders will have fitted out these moulds but amateurs completed a large number. According to the records held by Colvic it appears that 150 moulds were produced between 1971 and 1986.
Although the design is dated by modern standards these boats are very much sought after by cruising families. There is an enormous amount of room down below making a very desirable boat. The wheelhouse is a godsend in the colder waters of the North East Coast where I sail. The performance under sail and/or motor is quite good. However, in common with all long keel yachts going astern is a nightmare!
My boat was originally completed by its previous owner for his own use. He sailed extensively on the West Coast and then spent a number of years in Brittany. Fittings and interiors were getting a little tired due to age and in need of updating with some tender loving care. I bought the boat some two and a half years ago as a project for my retirement and have completely refitted her out over this period.
There must be other owners who have a wealth of experience with these boats. Sharing this knowledge with others could add to the enjoyment. I would be interested to hear from anyone who has built or fitted out one of these craft with ideas for layout improvements. I must confess that I get a great deal of pleasure in building and fitting out but would also be interested to hear from cruising sailors and learn from their experience of sailing these craft.
I own a Colvic Motor Sailer 31 and wonder if there is a class association? It would be interesting to hear from other people who own one of these craft or perhaps have an interest in them.
Why it was called the MS 31 is a mystery as the length is almost 32 ft. The ‘Atlanta 32’ has the same moulding by Ardleigh Laminated Plastics (Colvic) but was fitted out by Atlanta Marine. I believe that other professional builders will have fitted out these moulds but amateurs completed a large number. According to the records held by Colvic it appears that 150 moulds were produced between 1971 and 1986.
Although the design is dated by modern standards these boats are very much sought after by cruising families. There is an enormous amount of room down below making a very desirable boat. The wheelhouse is a godsend in the colder waters of the North East Coast where I sail. The performance under sail and/or motor is quite good. However, in common with all long keel yachts going astern is a nightmare!
My boat was originally completed by its previous owner for his own use. He sailed extensively on the West Coast and then spent a number of years in Brittany. Fittings and interiors were getting a little tired due to age and in need of updating with some tender loving care. I bought the boat some two and a half years ago as a project for my retirement and have completely refitted her out over this period.
There must be other owners who have a wealth of experience with these boats. Sharing this knowledge with others could add to the enjoyment. I would be interested to hear from anyone who has built or fitted out one of these craft with ideas for layout improvements. I must confess that I get a great deal of pleasure in building and fitting out but would also be interested to hear from cruising sailors and learn from their experience of sailing these craft.
