1985 Contest 36 vs 1972 Ericson 32 — Comparison
1985 Contest 36
1972 Ericson 32
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1985 Contest 36 | 1972 Ericson 32 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Ericson |
| Year | 1985–1995 | 1972–1978 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | USA |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Bruce King |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 6,500 kg (14,330 lbs) | 4,309 kg (9,500 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,700 kg (5,952 lbs) | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 54.0 m² (581 ft²) | 39.0 m² (420 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 28 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 250 L (66.0 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1985 Contest 36 and 1972 Ericson 32 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1985 Contest 36 is a 1980s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 1972 Ericson 32 is a 1970s offering from Ericson from USA. The 1985 Contest 36 was penned by Dick Zaal. The 1972 Ericson 32 was designed by Bruce King.
In terms of size, the 1985 Contest 36 measures 10.97m (36.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.40m, compared to the 1972 Ericson 32 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The 1985 Contest 36 is 1.22m longer than the 1972 Ericson 32. The 1985 Contest 36 displaces approximately 51% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1985 Contest 36 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.75 and 54.0 m² of sail area. The 1972 Ericson 32, with an SA/D of 14.97 and 39.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1985 Contest 36 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1985 Contest 36 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.73). The 1972 Ericson 32 has a comfort ratio of 22.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 41.5% for the 1985 Contest 36 and 42.1% for the 1972 Ericson 32, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1985 Contest 36 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 250L of water capacity and 150L of fuel. The 1972 Ericson 32 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 95L water and 57L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1972 Ericson 32 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 Contest 36 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.
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Or view individual specs: 1985 Contest 36 · 1972 Ericson 32