Rival 31 Sailing Yacht

John Silver is a 1969 Rival 31. Apart from the stern she is identical to the more plentiful 32’. In fact the interior, apart from a longer quarter berth is exactly the same size as the 34'. For a full history of the evolution of these fantastic boats visit the ROA website. Rivals are known as bullet proof, go anywhere yachts.

The 31/32, although small has been the yacht of choice for bluewater and extended cruising for many years. With its encapsulated keel and blast ratio of over 40% she is the boat to be in when the going gets rough. I bought John Silver in Sept 2017 from Rhyl North Wales. The previous owner had owned her for 17 years and the main reason I bought her is because I soon learned how fastidious he is, and that the numerous jobs he had completed over the years were done to the highest standards. Since owning her I’ve sailed over 2000 miles and I’m only selling because my wife and I want to sail to the med and be able to accommodate guests from time to time.

For this purpose we’ve decided that she’s just too small. She was in excellent condition and ready to sail away however she was basic Since then I have spent thousands and added much new equipment. The important things Engine She was fitted with a strong ultra reliable Beta 25hp in 2007 and has completed approx 850 hours . She’s fitted with the larger 70a alternator. The engine compartment is sound insulated.

She has been rewired to a very high standard. I have had her professionally serviced every winter. This year, as well as a full service the cooling system was flushed, gearbox oil changed and new studs and anode fitted. With a clean bottom she’ll cruise comfortably at 5k 2000rpm and up to 6k depending on sea stat Batteries 1 85ah engine start battery 20182 x 85ah domestic batteriesThere is a separate isolator switches for the engine and domestic circuits, and a further switch to link both circuits togetherif required shore power with battery charger.and cable Rigging The complete standing rigging was professionally replaced this year (March 2020) This includes all new bottle jacks. I also had a retractable inner forestay fitted with a high field lever.

I have a hank on storm jib which I propose to use when required. (not needed yet) When the mast was down I fitted all new LED mast head, steaming and deck lights, and fitted a new glommed VHF ariel with windex. The pushpit pulpit Nav lights are also fitted with LED bulbs. The mast has two winches (serviced this year), one for the main, and the other for the genoa and reefing. I also fitted a jammer above the winch in 2018 to secure the genoa halyard.

Other lines on the mast include a spinnaker/cruising shute halyard, pole up haul, new inner fore stay halyard, and a spare halyard. Sails Dart Sails in Dartmouth have laundered and serviced my sails each season. The owner Sean came aboard in the spring and examined my main and genoa whilst under way. His view, which I’m sure he’ll confirm was that the sails have considerable life left in them. She has 3 slab reefs and reefing is done at the mast.

The genoa is 130% furling with a UV strip on a furled furling system. Cruising shute new 2020 This sits on a solid stainless retractable bowsprit, secured on the deck with two large eye boits, and from below with a lashed bobstay attached to a stainless ring bolt on the bow. Spinnaker. Used once, but too much faff on my own. Deck stored pole. Crusader stack pack mainsail cover with lazy jacks also laundered and serviced 2020.

Hank on storm jib as mentioned above. Self steering In 2019 I fitted a Dartmouth made Sea feather wind vane self steering. This is fantastic and I would definitely take with me to my new yacht if it would fit! Its simple to set up and use, and gives piece and quiet against the whirr of its electric brother, as well as saving battery power. Cockpit and Instruments Large and self draining, tiller steering.

A bolt can be removed easily so the tiller will stand vertical to provide more space in the cockpit while not underway. There are two large cockpit lockers port and starboard and a vented gas locker containing two 7kg bottles at the rear. There are two Barlow winches with rubber self tailing tops which are more than adequate. Morse control for engine. Sprayhood, Teak grating.Home made canvas cockpit tent (never used) Other instruments on view are Nassa clipper duet (log,speed,depth) and bluetooth to sensor on mastNassa Wind speed and direction.

2020Bulkhead compass 2019 The two clocks just above the grating are Engine temp and oil pressure. Tiller in the up stored position. The oblong section behind is the gas locker. Incidentally this makes a fantastic seat for two, totally out of the way of the helmsman. Foredeck CQR anchor 16kg 50 meters chain and 30m warp Electric Windless 2018 with controls which can just be seen to the right.

There is also the option of using a remote control from the cockpit. The retractable bowsprit for the cruising chute can also be see to port. When not moored the sprit will slide forward through the port bow roller and is held in place with pins either side or the rear deck eye. At the bottom of the pic you can just see the large mooring bollard. Varnished tow rail. Accommodation.

I have been on numerous Rival 32’s (interior identical to 31) and their owners have visited me. Without fail I’m always complimented me, and although biased, I can honestly say Ive never seen one to touch her for comfort and looks. The main reason for this is the famous Rival keyhole bulkhead All new LED lighting fitted 2019 Galley Galley. In date fire extinguisher. Next to the fire extinguisher is a USB charging socket so phones can be charged and reached from the cockpit.

I have built a small sheff to house them. Kitchen roll holder, The engine cover is spilt into 3 sections and provides the steps into the saloon. Immediately to port is the galley. I recently replaced the single round sink on formica top with 2 x stainless sinks on a varnished teak top. A single hand operated whale fresh water pump services both sinks, as does an identical sea water pump.

Both are marked appropriately! Above the sink is a cutlery draw and storage for crockery and foodstuff. Below the sink is a reasonably large cupboard. Next to the sink is a Plastic Atlantic 2 burner cooker, oven and grill, with pan storage below. Although relatively small its a great galley for life at sea, as you can sit on the companionway steps and operate everything.

Forward of the galley is the keyhole bulkhead and port berth. There is a useful drop down table attached to the forward side of the bulkhead which when deployed reveals a 4 bottle store. This is a wide comfortable berth and I’ve fitted 1” memory foam into the cushions (starboard side as well) to assist. Although an infill would have to be made, with the use of the backrest cushions this could easily, (as it is on others) be made into a double. I’m 6;3” and both saloon berths and forepeak have plenty of length.A large hinged table which would seat 6 at a push can be set up on 2 poles between port and starboard berths.

This is stored in the hanging locker when not needed. 4 individual lockers above and further storage below. Storage below berth. Stainless 80ltr fresh water tank below saloon floor. On the forward bulkhead is a Winchester charcoal burning stove.

Just remove the blank from the flue on deck and screw in the 8” stainless chimney, remove the bottom section of the heater, fill the wicked reservoir with paraffin. Light it, replace bottom section, then remove top section and fill with good quality charcoal. Open the round brass vent to let in air and 30 mins later you’ll have a warm dry heat. Adjust the vent as required. When dampened down she’ll run for 10 hours on a fill and can be refilled when in operation (with asbestos gloves) I fitted this as I worked on her in Rhyl during the Beast from the East and temperatures got down to -11.

No problem. On other occasions when out we’ve got soaked by rain, waves or both. Light the heater, put the wet gear on the steady grab rope and everything and everyone is soon dry and warm. On the port side is another comfortable berth with lockers above, book and drinks cabinet and further storage below. Further storage below berth where i keep the life raft and life jacket and bedding.

Nav Table Opposite the galley. Large forward facing chart table with plenty of storage under lid. Storage for pencils, instrument etc, Engine start panel with rev counter and engine hours display. Icom VHF DSC radio 12v switch panel Manual/Auto bilge pump switch and Engine panel (2 keys) New red/white chart light fitted this year Storage below where I keep bottled water etc. Xinuo 10’chartplotter with AIS 2018 Electric 24/12v fridge also sits beneath.

Heads and forepeak Forward of the main saloon the heads Webesco toilet is to port and a great hanging locker to starboard. There are doors to the forepeak and to the saloon making it totally private. The forepeak is large and is either two singles, or a double with the use of an infill. Lockers below berths. Access to anchor chain locker forward Other equipment Life sling with line attached to guardrail 4 person life raft (in date)Smoke, gas and carbon monoxide alarmsin date fire extinguishersUSB charging at chart table and on bulkhead to allow charging go phones in the cockpitElectric auto bilge pumpManual bilge pump with handlesSmall 24/12v fridge freezer flare pack boathook lines fenders.

Please only bid if you are serious. The boat can be viewed at any time,. I would be prepared to deliver the yacht to any uk port for a very small fee upon completion.