I have a GC31 hull # 46 and sailed it 800 miles up the atlantic coast line. The hull is really solid and thick. I know some were built as kit boats. Some have no
core, some have balsa, and mine has
marine grade
plywood in thin strips. So it may depend on the boat itself. Mine has larger shrouds than from the factory as well as
bronze ports and all
bronze hardware, so looks very classic. It seems
backing plates were not a common fixture as I am in the process of making
backing plates for all the
hardware excluding stanchions. My mast
compression post is a bulkhead and I have a pretty big dimple in my
cabin top and have to keep a close eye on it. It is the only dissapointment I have had yet. The
fiberglass liner for the
cabin has no signs of age other than some light sagging on the kitchen counter surface. A previous owner also decided the cabin top support was inadequate and glassed under it an extra inch of glass/foam layer. I have seen other classic 31's with support posts near the sb settee or ice box for I imagine similar reasons. But, since the hull is such a nice hull, I think the boats are worth their weight and upkeep for coastal use but just not stout enough to circle the globe without some structural modifications and upgrades in hardware. We are thinking about adding a big stainless step plate under the mast to distribute load and then I would be more comfortable. Add nice backing plates, keep
core dry, and properly back hardware and I wouldn't hesitate a non
hurricane season
atlantic crossing.
Linear Mode
Recent Discussions