Paragon 31 technical data


good and, if needs be, you can drop down onto treadplate areas either side of the engine, rather than slip into the bilge. When it comes to handling, the 31’s hull wants


to stride out and be noticed without creating a fuss. The keenness of its hull flicks waves away smoothly and keeps uncomfortable slams to a minimum, yet it still remains an easy, relaxed drive – which isn’t always the case with deep-vee hulls. As one might expect, it banks steeply into turns but then levels out without fuss, ready to romp off on its new tack. On test we recorded a top speed of 35.5 knots,


which is a couple of knots shy of what the yard claims but a little tweaking of the prop size might help the last few hundred rpm wind in a little easier. However, for general cruising you are going to settle for something closer to 25 knots with an mpg of over 3mpg and a very useful 250-mile range. The interior driving position and viz through that window-like-screen is excellent, however it’s the raised exterior helm that really impresses – you feel protected and tucked-in and being seated this far aft gives a particularly easy ride.


Runs as well as it looks, plus choice of helm positions


33333 performance


& handling Specification & value


Now for the broken record, or rather pound. The Paragon 31 clearly isn’t a cheap boat, especially as it only sports one engine, but then things that look this tasty rarely are. In its defence the price includes plenty of kit – from the heated screen to the two, well-equipped helm stations. However, there are several items that seem to be missing, the most notable being shorepower, a windlass and a bow thruster. Overall, if you can get


A designer-looking boat with a price tag to match


33333 Specification


& value


your head around the base price it doesn’t need too much work to get a fully equipped boat.


MBM verdict


So how virtuous is this Paragon 31? It’s just too handsome and well finished not to stand out and be noticed, which rather culls any moral rectitude. But looks aren’t everything, and the 31 has all the right ingredients to take you cruising in comfort, safety and style.


33333333339/10 BOTNIA TARGA 31


From £221,000 This is the boat that sets the benchmark for this type of vessel. The Botnia has twin engines and a more conservative interior fitout. Tel: 01202 700702 www.wessexmarine.com


specifications


BUILD RCD


LENGTH OVERALL BEAM


DRAUGHT


DISPLACEMENT FUEL CAPACITY WATER CAPACITY


WIDTH OF SIDE DECKS HEADROOM IN SALOON FORECABIN BERTH MIDSHIPS BERTH


GRP B


32ft 4in (9.8m) 10ft 10in (3.3m) 3ft 7in (1.1m) 4.9 tonnes


99gal (450lt) 44gal (200lt)


key dimensions


14in (35cm) 6ft 4in (1.9m)


6ft 10in x 2ft 0in (2.1 x 0.6m) 6ft 9in x 3ft 6in (2.7 x 1.0m)


and 6ft 9in x 2ft 0in (2.7 x 0.6m) Engines


Configuration Conditions Load


rpm knots gph 2300 17.6 2500 21.2 2700 24.7 3000 28.8 3200 31.4 3500 35.5


5.5 6.6 7.9


10.3 12.8 16.3


performance


single Volvo D6-370hp diesel 6cyl, 5.5lt, 370hp @3500rpm wind NW’ly, Force 3, sea calm fuel 30%, water 75%, crew 2 lph mpg range noise


25 3.20 30 36 47


3.21 3.13


2.80


58 2.45 74


2.18


256 257 250 224 196 174


72 72 74 75 76 77


Range figures quoted above are in miles based on standard fuel tanks and include a 20% margin. GPH & MPG refer to imperial gallons. These figures may vary due to weather conditions, air, water, engine temperature, crew numbers, hull fouling, fuel quality and other issues. Noise readings in dB(A) were taken in the wheelhouse.


prices STANDARD BOAT


with single Volvo D6-370 BOW THRUSTER HEATING


TEAK DECKING


ELECTRIC WINDLASS SHOREPOWER


COMMISSIONING AND ANTIFOUL BoAt AS tEStED


inc VAT


£202,595 £3261 £3237 £7837 £2812 £1849


standard £220,150


ENQUIRIES Offshore Powerboats Ltd Tel: 01590 677955 www.offshorepowerboats.co.uk


the rivals


AQUADOR 32 CABIN


From £205,000 This Finnish builder manages to deliver a walkaround wheelhouse boat with two good sleeping cabins, but it lacks an exterior helm. Tel: 00353 (0) 1280 2020 www.mgmboats.com


NORD STAR 31


From £170,000 This tough-looking boat benefits from a raised outside helm, two separate cabins, a door out to the cockpit and side access to each deck. Tel: 01324 665071 www.nordstar.co.uk


MBM rating


Paragon 31


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