1972 Contest 31 vs 1985 Irwin 38 — Comparison
1972 Contest 31
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1972 Contest 31 | 1985 Irwin 38 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Irwin |
| Year | 1972–1982 | 1985–1991 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | USA |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Ted Irwin |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) | 7,484 kg (16,499 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 39.5 m² (425 ft²) | 60.0 m² (646 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 227 L (60.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1972 Contest 31 and 1985 Irwin 38 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1972 Contest 31 is a 1970s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 1985 Irwin 38 is a 1980s offering from Irwin from USA. The 1972 Contest 31 was penned by Dick Zaal. The 1985 Irwin 38 was designed by Ted Irwin.
In terms of size, the 1972 Contest 31 measures 9.45m (31.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the 1985 Irwin 38 at 11.58m (38.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1985 Irwin 38 is 2.13m longer than the 1972 Contest 31. The 1985 Irwin 38 displaces approximately 65% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1972 Contest 31 has modest sail power for its displacement with an SA/D ratio of 14.65 and 39.5 m² of sail area. The 1985 Irwin 38, with an SA/D of 15.93 and 60.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1985 Irwin 38 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1972 Contest 31 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 23.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The 1985 Irwin 38 has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1972 Contest 31 and 42.4% for the 1985 Irwin 38, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1972 Contest 31 provides 5 berths in 2 cabins with 150L of water capacity and 80L of fuel. The 1985 Irwin 38 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1972 Contest 31 is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.
For racing: The 1985 Irwin 38 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1985 Irwin 38 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 1972 Contest 31 · 1985 Irwin 38