1976 Albin Vega vs 1972 Contest 31 — Comparison
1976 Albin Vega
1972 Contest 31
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1976 Albin Vega | 1972 Contest 31 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Albin | Contest |
| Year | 1976–1982 | 1972–1982 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Sweden | Netherlands |
| Designer | Per Brohall | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.24 m (27.0 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| LWL | 6.27 m (20.6 ft) | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.46 m (8.1 ft) | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.15 m (3.8 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,400 kg (5,291 lbs) | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,050 kg (2,315 lbs) | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 26.5 m² (285 ft²) | 39.5 m² (425 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Full | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 10 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 40 L (10.6 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 50 L (13.2 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 4 | 5 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1976 Albin Vega and 1972 Contest 31 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1976 Albin Vega is a 1970s design by Albin from Sweden, while the 1972 Contest 31 is a 1970s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 1976 Albin Vega was penned by Per Brohall. The 1972 Contest 31 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the 1976 Albin Vega measures 8.24m (27.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.46m, compared to the 1972 Contest 31 at 9.45m (31.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The 1972 Contest 31 is 1.21m longer than the 1976 Albin Vega. The 1972 Contest 31 displaces approximately 89% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1976 Albin Vega has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.02 and 26.5 m² of sail area. The 1972 Contest 31, with an SA/D of 14.65 and 39.5 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1976 Albin Vega has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1976 Albin Vega offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 23.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The 1972 Contest 31 has a comfort ratio of 23.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 43.8% for the 1976 Albin Vega and 40.0% for the 1972 Contest 31, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1976 Albin Vega provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 50L of water capacity and 40L of fuel. The 1972 Contest 31 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L 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 1976 Albin Vega has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1972 Contest 31 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: 1976 Albin Vega · 1972 Contest 31