1980 Contest 33 vs 2016 Dehler 36 SQ — Comparison
1980 Contest 33
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1980 Contest 33 | 2016 Dehler 36 SQ |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Dehler |
| Year | 1980–1990 | 2016 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | Germany |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Judel/Vrolijk |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) | 10.85 m (35.6 ft) |
| LWL | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) | 9.85 m (32.3 ft) |
| Beam | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) | 5,500 kg (12,125 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,100 kg (4,630 lbs) | 1,800 kg (3,968 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 44.0 m² (474 ft²) | 57.0 m² (614 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 22 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 55 L (14.5 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 120 L (31.7 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1980 Contest 33 and 2016 Dehler 36 SQ represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1980 Contest 33 is a 1980s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ is a modern offering from Dehler from Germany. The 1980 Contest 33 was penned by Dick Zaal. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.
In terms of size, the 1980 Contest 33 measures 10.06m (33.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.20m, compared to the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ at 10.85m (35.6ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ is 0.79m longer than the 1980 Contest 33. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ displaces approximately 6% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1980 Contest 33 has modest sail power for its displacement with an SA/D ratio of 14.90 and 44.0 m² of sail area. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ, with an SA/D of 18.59 and 57.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1980 Contest 33 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 22.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ has a comfort ratio of 16.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 40.4% for the 1980 Contest 33 and 32.7% for the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1980 Contest 33 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 100L of fuel. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 120L water and 55L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1980 Contest 33 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1980 Contest 33 · 2016 Dehler 36 SQ