Rodman Spirit 31 review

When the Rodman Spirit 31 emerged in 2010, it did so to a generally warm reception. Here, from the Spanish offshore fishing specialist, was a mid-sized shaft-driven cruiser that combined the famous toughness of the brand with a fresh level of stylistic calibre, an additional dose of luxury and some extra modernity in the layout.

In particular the aft cockpit, which pushed out beyond the transom with extended swim platforms and a pair of rotating curved bench seats, stood out as a feature that set the new boat apart. However, with its relatively modest hull length (around five feet shorter than the length overall) alongside traditional shaft drive propulsion, it did lack a bit of space below decks, so it’s good to see that Rodman’s Spirit 31 has now emulated the 890 Ventura and is hitting the market in outboard form.

Making its UK debut at the London Boat Show in January 2017, the modified design has enabled the platform to accommodate a twin rig of outboards, without sacrificing those circular sliding transom seats. Better still, the space vacated by the inboard engines has been gainfully exploited by the designers with a full-beam double-berth amidships, providing a much better supplement to the largely unchanged forward double, while also increasing the degree of privacy. The new model also features a separate heads compartment with shower and, like the original inboard version, the Spirit 31 Outboard will be available as a Hard Top or a (slightly ungainly looking) ‘Open’ variant. See our First Look Video below.

The prototype model with twin Mercury 250hp outboards has reportedly achieved speeds of around 41 knots during initial sea trials, but those with less sporting ambitions can select twin 150s, 175s or 200s from mainstream manufacturers, Mercury, Suzuki or Yamaha. And to top off the good news, RBS Marine (the UK importer) has indicated that the UK price of the Spirit 31 Outboard will be around 15 per cent cheaper than the shaft-driven model, at £121,000 plus VAT for the base package with twin Mercury 175hp motors.

Rodman Spirit 31 specifications

Rodman's distinctive Spirit 31 is both cheaper and more spacious with outboard propulsion.

Written by: Alex Smith

Alex Smith is a journalist, copywriter and magazine editor with a long history in boating and a happy addiction to the water. He’s worked on boats, lived on boats, bought boats, sold boats and – when he’s not actually on board a boat – he can generally be found in his Folkestone office, tapping away at the computer and gazing out to sea.