Elan 31 - eighties model

[AJ_01]

Hi,

We are in the market for a new boat. Looking for a "cruiser" initially. Now we've come around an eighties model Elan 31. Anyone familiar with that boat or Elans from that age? Unfortunately I don't find that much information online. I'm especially interested in build quality, durability (osmosis-issues?) and seaworthiness. Any known weak spots to especially look for? I like speed but its primary use will be (extended) cruising with family and friends.

Many thanks for your replies!
Joe

 

[lpdsn]

Is that the Rob Humphreys Elan 31 rather than an earlier one? If it is they've got a good rep for sailing well.

 

[AJ_01]

No, it's an earlier one. It's the J&J and Jeppensen one. I think the Humphrey one is from something like 2000 or 2001.

 

[lpdsn]

OK. I thought the Humpreys one was slightly earlier than 2000 but I definitely didn't think it was 80s. Although I've raced against a couple of examples of the later one I've no experience or knowledge of the earlier one. Maybe they weren't sold that much outside Croatia/Yugoslavia.

 

[AJ_01]

I guess that's the point. You won't find many around in Northern Europe. But there are some and I was hoping to be lucky to find one owner among the friendly folks in this forum.

 

[bost]

I own one for more than 10 years. It is a first design of the J&J architects. Lightweight, but very solid hand laid laminate. The forward lower shroud attachments should be improved- beefed, otherwise no constructional weak points detected.

There were three versions of the boat, Elan 31, Elan 31S and Elan 33. Elan 31S has a factory fitted large sugar scoop so LOA is 10 m instead of 9.40 m. The Elan 33 has sugar scoop integrated. Sugar scoop improves the performance and is great when on anchor – select one with the sugar scoop.

There were approximately 600 produced, a lot of them survived 20 years in charter – so quite durable. We cruise almost every year from North Adriatic to Peloponnesus and for a couple it is perfectly fit for the purpose. We are even temped to prepare it for the planned circumnavigation. Good light wind performer, but can handle also heavier ( by Mediterranean standards) sea.

PM if you need some more info .

 

[AJ_01]

@bost: you've got mail