Boat test
paragon 31
Datafile Paragon 31
Verdict Data
The Paragon 31 is a boat that you Overall length 32ft 3in (9.85m)
have to test drive to appreciate; you’ll
Beam 10ft 8in (4.35m)
never be able to grasp its true value
Displacement 3.7 tonnes light
unless you get it out on the water, in a
Draught 3ft 6in (1.10m)
decent chop. As good as the
fuel capacity 99 imp gal (450 litres)
attention to detail and build quality
are, the biggest reason for buying
Water capacity 44 imp gal (200 litres)
one is that agile, hard-as-nails hull
test engines
and remarkable ride comfort.
It is the kind of boat that makes you
Single 370hp Volvo Penta D6, 6-cylinder, 5.5 litre diesel, 370hp @
look out to sea and positively 3500rpm
welcome the sight of white horses
RPM 2000 2200 2400 2600 2800 3000 3200 3450
because it’ll make the trip that much
sPEED 14.4 17.5 21.0 24.1 27.3 30.0 33.4 36.2
more entertaining. Let’s not forget
tRIM 6º 6º 6º 6º 6º 5º 5º 5º
either that you could spend a few nights on board the 31 in more than adequate comfort.
GPH 6.0 6.8 7.7 9.1 10.0 11.8 14.0 17.0
The berths are generous and what it lacks in outright space is made up for by practical
detailing and those wonderfully safe and open deck spaces .
MPG 2.4 2.6 2.7 2.6 2.73 2.5 2.4 2.1
The upper helm position is a valuable asset too. On a basic level it makes berthing the
RANGE 190 203 215 209 216 201 188 168
boat that much easier but more importantly there is nothing like feeling the wind in your
Speed in knots. GPH & MPG figures use imperial gallons. Range in nautical
hair and the sun on your skin. And at night the ability to hear your surroundings as well as miles and allows for 20% reserve. Calculated figures based on readings from
see them free from any reflections in the windscreen is a real confidence booster. Not that on board fuel gauge, your figures may vary considerably. 10% fuel, 75% water,
the lower helm feels like the poor relation; by any normal standards the visibility is
2 crew, no stores, 23 degrees Celsius air temp, 1045mb pressure, light chop,
fantastic and the layout of the helm lends itself to enjoying the driving experience of this
Force 3 for speed trials.
supremely capable machine.
For someone who has got into boating through a succession of ever bigger, faster RIBs,
Cruising 27.3 knots, 216 miles @ 2800rpm
the 31 is the logical next step up. It allows you to cruise further afield in warmth and
comfort but unlike most family oriented sportscruisers it doesn’t involve sacrificing the
flat out 36.2 knots, 168 miles @ 3450rpm
pin-sharp handling, exhilarating performance and wave-jumping antics you’ve been used
to. It has a hull to rival any sportsboat and better accommodation than any cabin RIB could
sOuND lEVEls dB(A) saloon flybridge Cockpit
hope to offer. Price may be a sticking point if you’re comparing it to a conventional Cruising @ 27.3 knots 75 81.4 89
sportscruiser but take the Paragon out on a test drive and I bet I can guess where your
Flat out @ 36.2 knots 78 82 90
money will go. MBY
Readings taken with doors shut.

Rivals
Price from £190,820 (Single 330hp D6 inc VAT)
Price as tested £215,470 inc VAT
Botnia targa 31 from £151,500
Designer Paragon, 2009
inc uK VAt
RCD category B (for 8 people)
The direct rival. Everyone will forever
compare the Paragon to the Targa. The Contact Offshore Powerboats
rival gives 40 knots flat out from the
Tel: +44 (0)1590 677955
largest engine and one of the best hulls
Fax: +44 (0)1590 671890
in the business even if accommodation
Email: chris@offshorepowerboats.co.uk
is a little cramped.
Website: www.paragonyachts.fi
Nimbus 335 Coupe from £186,438
inc uK VAt
Layout
Not as fast or hardcore as the Paragon
31 but beautifully constructed, safe
and practical. A recent range revamp
has also improved the looks. A single
Volvo D4 gives a top speed of 25 knots.
sB31 from £196,420 inc uK VAt thumbs up or thumbs down?
Not quite as plush as the Paragon and
no upper helm but with twin 300hp
ThuMBs up ➤ Light and ventilation
diesels on conventional shafts it offers
➤ Excellent hull ➤ Large berths
a top speed of 42 knots and rock solid
➤ Thrilling handling
➤ Effortless cruising ability ThuMBs down
handling. A very capable hull and
➤ Safety and practicality ➤ Expensive for its size
useful fuel economy make the SB a
➤ Solid build ➤ Could be faster
strong competitor.
➤ Usability ➤ Storage in aft cabin
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