The differences between the Tartan 31 original and the Piper do not seem to
be well documented.  However, Beth and I just purchased a T-31 hull #107
(1991) and during our search we considered all years and styles.  There were
a number of differences between the various models and of course as should
be expected some changes during the model run.  While we do not consider
ourselves to be T-31 experts we would like to offer the following as our
observations.

The original T-31 came standard with a baby stay, to help prevent or control
mast pumping.  The spreaders were straight back with all shrouds leading to
the same position on deck.  This baby stay was either fixed or adjustable
depending on if the boat came rigged for a spinnaker (the spinnaker had the
adjustable baby stay).  With the Piper the baby stay was eliminated and the
spreaders were swept back at what looks to be about a 20-degree angle
(eyeball estimate).

The original T-31 came stock with a pilot berth on the port side but also
one could order cabinetry to match the starboard side cabinetry.  In our
visits to the boats available for sale it would appear that the pilot berth
was changed to cabinets on the majority of boats.  Down below the most
significant changes between the original and the Piper were related to the
head and the navigational station.  The head on the Piper had two doors, one
from the main cabin and one from the V-berth.  This necessitated a change in
the table from being folded up on the port side bulkhead to being a
centerline table in the Piper.  Also, while I can't say this was standard,
we did notice in the Pipers we saw that the little seat in the V-berth was
not in the Piper.  The nav-station really changed.  On the original the nav
station had a seat that was an extension of the quarter berth and the nav
table was a fold-down affair.  On the Piper the nav seat was an extension of
the port settee with back support that could be moved to allow for the seat
to become a part of the settee itself.  The nav tabletop lifted up for
storage under it, for charts paper work and other navigational tools.  The
drawers located on the original nav station (three on the right of the
table) were eliminated.  Our memory is that the galley was about the same.
Some of the soft curves of the interior are missing on the Piper with more
straight lines.

The engine on the original T-31 was an 18 hp Yanmar.  This could be upgraded
to a larger model.  At some point this was changed, as our 1991 model has a
Volvo Pinta (2002).  The Piper seems to have a Westerbake of about the same
size.

Now one of the most interesting things we have noticed is the transom.  On
the Piper version the transom is concave with a step and a small flair (a
second step).  The swim ladder attaches under that flair.  The stern pulpit
has a lifeline between the port and starboard side.  This intrigues me
because this is the same transom on the 1991 T-31 we have.  However, it is
the only original t-31 we have seen with this configuration.  On the
original we typically found the swim ladder attaching to the middle of the
transom and in the up position becoming part of the stern pulpits the
transom itself was the classic design.

Now while Beth and I are sure that other T-31 owners could add to this list
and correct our errors this is what we remember FWIW.

Ed Hancock" <hancock@dmv.com>
Wed, 23 Jul 2003 07:41:05

Ed,

Thanks for the great summary of T31 evolution. Unlike you, I saw only one
T31 in our boat buying search and bought it over comparable Sabers and
Freedoms. So I really appreciate your experience of having seen so many
variations on the T31.

The only other variation I could add from having communicated with other T31
owners, would be battery location. Our 1988 hull #20 has 2 type 27s under
the starboard settee, just forward of the ice box. Later models have them
under the nav seat on the port side. I have no idea where batteries are in
the piper version.

Rick Davis
Triall, T31 #20
<gillendavis@earthlink.net>
Wed, 23 Jul 2003 08:12:37