[1][2][3] The design was built by Hinterhoeller Yachts in Canada, who completed 100 examples starting in 1977, but it is now out of production.

[1][3][4] The Niagara 31 is a recreational keelboat, built predominantly of fiberglass with balsa cores in the deck and hull.

It has a masthead sloop rig, a raked stem, a raised transom, an internally mounted spade-type rudder controlled by a wheel and a fixed fin keel.

[1] The boats up to serial number 50 were factory-equipped with a Swedish Volvo diesel engine of 13 hp (10 kW) with a saildrive.

[1][3] The galley is located at the starboard side, at the bottom of the companionway stairs and includes a two-burner propane stove.

[3][6] In a review Michael McGoldrick wrote, "despite its placid cruising exterior, the Niagara 31 offers some very good performance.

"[6] Reviewer Richard Sherwood wrote of the design, "Beam is moderate and the hull is V-form.