Description
The Bruce Roberts 310, designed in 2005 by renowned Australian naval architect Bruce Roberts for affordable owner construction and versatile coastal-to-offshore cruising, is a compact yet capable pocket sailboat with over a dozen examples built worldwide in round-bilge fiberglass or wood-epoxy hulls, or multi-chine/radius-chine steel or aluminum for enhanced durability and customization. Measuring 31 feet LOA with a 25-foot-6-inch LWL, 10-foot-6-inch beam, shoal draft of 3 feet 6 inches (or deep 5 feet 6 inches fin keel), and a displacement of 9,669 pounds including 4,500 pounds of ballast, this masthead sloop (with cutter options) features an estimated sail area of around 500 square feet across mainsail and genoa for lively performance in 10-25 knot winds, achieving 6-8.5 knot hull speeds with responsive handling and minimal weather helm, powered by a 20- to 33-horsepower inboard diesel auxiliary like the Yanmar 3GM. Its appealing lines include a clipper bow, moderate sheer, and choices for traditional trunk cabin or protective pilothouse layouts, complemented by a functional interior offering 6-foot headroom, five berths in V-forward, saloon settee, and quarter configurations, compact galley, enclosed head, and practical storage with modest tankage of 40-60 gallons each for fuel and water to support weekend-to-weeklong autonomy. Notable for its economic build (full-size patterns included) and proven seaworthiness—as in UK-modified examples with drop keels crossing the Irish Sea—the Roberts 310 blends speed, comfort, and simplicity, making it an ideal step-up for solo sailors or couples pursuing adventurous passages without the scale of larger designs.
