Archambault A31 vs Surprise
How do the Archambault A31 and Surprise compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Archambault A31 
Surprise | Archambault A31 | Surprise | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 31.3 ft9.54 m | 25.1 ft7.65 m |
| Waterline length | —— | 21.6 ft6.60 m |
| Beam | 10.6 ft3.22 m | 8.1 ft2.48 m |
| Draft | 6.2 ft1.88 m | 5.3 ft1.60 m |
| Displacement | 6,945 lb3,150 kg | 2,756 lb1,250 kg |
| Ballast | 2,976 lb1,350 kg | 1,102 lb500 kg |
| Sail area | 555 ft²51.6 m² | 286 ft²26.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 24.39 | 23.28 |
| Displacement / Length | — | 121 |
| Comfort ratio | — | 11.5 |
| Capsize screening | 2.22 | 2.32 |
| Hull speed (kn) | — | 6.2 |
Archambault A31 vs Surprise: the short version
- The Archambault A31 is the larger boat at 31.3 ft9.54 m LOA versus 25.1 ft7.65 m for the Surprise.
- The Archambault A31 is heavier, displacing about 152% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Archambault A31 carries the more powerful rig (24.4 vs 23.3), favouring lighter-air performance.
- By the capsize screening formula the Archambault A31 rates better for offshore work (2.22 vs 2.32).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.