31' Niagara Sloop - 1981 - $42,500The Niagara 31 does look quite traditional when viewed at the dock. And as you will see in a moment, her interior layout is also very traditional. But hints of her wolf-like nature are revealed when she is viewed on the hard where her sleek underwater profile suggests she is indeed a very quick boat. Let's go aboard and have a look around.
Climb into the cockpit and you notice two things immediately. First is the Edson pedestal steering with Autohelm. The pedestal steering is a must for serious racing and the autopilot is a must for serious cruising. Second is the custom teak and canvas dodger with an electric windshield wiper in the center glass. There are going to be days when that wiper is a godsend!
The teak drop boards stow neatly out of the way in an acrylic pouch in the port locker. The starboard locker, like it's opposite, is full depth and has well secured battery storage at the forward end (start battery port, house batteries starboard). The stern locker serves as storage for the two 10 pound propane bottles.
Step down into the cabin and to port is the navigation station where you will find the electronics, 12 VDC and 110 VAC panels, battery switch, sound system, top-opening fridge/freezer, and chart storage. To starboard is the galley with gimbaled propane two burner stove and oven, stainless steel sink, and large storage area accessible through a hatch in the counter. It is worth noting the galley and vanity sinks are supplied by both the pressure water system and by foot pumps.
Access to the diesel engine is gained by unlocking and removing the cockpit stairwell. Because the engine has a V-drive transmission, you are looking at the back end of the engine. While this is somewhat unusual, it does not make engine maintenance and service any more complicated than the standard in-line drive.
As you are standing at the foot of the cockpit stairs looking forward, you will notice the very simple traditional interior décor. Oiled teak bulkheads, doors and trim stand in contrast to the crisp white of the moulded fiberglass liner. The cushions are upholstered in a deep blue with yellow accent cushions, the opposite of the hull colour scheme which is yellow with a blue accent. And the décor is completed with a traditional teak and holly cabin sole.
Forward of the navigation station is the dinette with a drop table that converts the dinette to a double berth. Directly across from the dinette is a nice long settee that pulls out to form another double berth. It is worth noting that all the cushions, including those in the v-berth, have just been professionally recovered.
Separated from the main cabin by a teak bulkhead and privacy door is the head and shower. There is a demand hot water heater mounted on the port bulkhead and a large storage bin and other lockers to starboard. The head is separated from the forward cabin by another beautiful teak privacy door.
There is a standard v-berth in the forward cabin with several large storage bins underneath. The crotch of the v-berth can be filled in with fitted triangular board and cushion to form a much more comfortable full berth. A teak panel at the forward end of the berth provides easy access to the chain locker.
So there you have it. A notably well constructed sailing vessel with a comfortable interior that shines as both a racer and coastal cruiser. And to sweeten the deal, this vessel has just come back from her seasonal maintenance so her bottom has been painted, the hull has been cut polished, and new zincs have been put in place. In other words, she is ready to go sailing! But wait.............it gets even better! She just went through her five year survey and the few minor issues identified by the surveyor have been addressed. Plus she comes complete with assumable moorage in Sidney, BC, gateway to the Gulf Islands. Whether you are a relative newcomer to sailing or a seasoned sailor, this is a vessel worth your consideration.
