1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra vs 1988 Contest 38 — Comparison
1988 Contest 38
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra | 1988 Contest 38 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Nonsuch | Contest |
| Year | 1986–1995 | 1988–1996 |
| Type | Other | Sloop |
| Country | Canada | Netherlands |
| Designer | Mark Ellis | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 11.55 m (37.9 ft) |
| LWL | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.35 m (11.0 ft) | 3.47 m (11.4 ft) |
| Draft | 1.22 m (4.0 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) | 7,711 kg (17,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 39.0 m² (420 ft²) | 61.5 m² (662 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Full | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 300 L (79.3 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra and 1988 Contest 38 represent different approaches to sailboat design. The 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra is a 1980s design by Nonsuch from Canada, while the 1988 Contest 38 is a 1980s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra was penned by Mark Ellis. The 1988 Contest 38 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra measures 9.14m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.35m, compared to the 1988 Contest 38 at 11.55m (37.9ft) with a 3.47m beam. The 1988 Contest 38 is 2.41m longer than the 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra. The 1988 Contest 38 displaces approximately 70% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra has modest sail power for its displacement with an SA/D ratio of 14.46 and 39.0 m² of sail area. The 1988 Contest 38, with an SA/D of 16.01 and 61.5 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1988 Contest 38 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.81). The 1988 Contest 38 has a comfort ratio of 23.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.70. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra and 41.2% for the 1988 Contest 38, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra provides 6 berths in 1 cabin with 114L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The 1988 Contest 38 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 300L water and 200L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1988 Contest 38 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 1988 Contest 38 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: 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra · 1988 Contest 38