Golden Hind 31 Mk 2

Description

The Golden Hind 31 Mk II, an evolved iteration of Maurice Griffiths' iconic 1965 shoal-draft bluewater cruiser inspired by Colin Archer lifelines, was introduced in the early 1990s primarily in fiberglass by UK yards like Northshore Yachts, with a handful of epoxy-sheathed plywood or steel examples for enhanced durability and amateur builds, emphasizing seaworthiness for coastal gunkholing and moderate offshore passages by solo sailors or couples. Measuring 31 feet 6 inches LOA with a 26-foot-9-inch LWL, 9-foot beam, 3-foot-7-inch draft on triple keels (bilge plus central) for drying out in tidal creeks, and an increased displacement of 13,500 pounds (up from the original 11,600) including 5,196 pounds of iron ballast, this cutter-rigged sloop variant boasts an expanded sail area of 510 square feet across mainsail, genoa, and staysail for improved light-air performance and 5.5-7 knot hull speeds in 15-30 knot winds with balanced helm, powered by a 16- to 25-horsepower diesel auxiliary like the Sabb 2H or Yanmar 3GM. Its robust double-chine hull features a clipper bow, moderate sheer, and teak-trimmed decks on a hand-laid GRP layup with balsa core options, offering 6-foot headroom in a practical interior for 4-6 berths including V-berth forward, saloon settees, quarter berth aft, L-galley with gimbaled stove, enclosed head with shower, and tankage of 40-50 gallons fuel and 60 gallons water for extended autonomy. Refined for the Mk II with taller mast options (up to 36 feet), stronger rigging, and better ventilation while retaining the original's storm-proven credentials—as in Atlantic crossings and Fastnet survivals by updated examples like those refitted in the 2000s—the Golden Hind 31 Mk II remains a cherished, affordable classic for intrepid East Coast adventurers valuing simplicity, stability, and timeless pilot-cutter aesthetics in a compact, versatile package.