1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 vs 1980 Contest 33 — Comparison
1980 Contest 33
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 | 1980 Contest 33 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hallberg-Rassy | Contest |
| Year | 1994–2003 | 1980–1990 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Sweden | Netherlands |
| Designer | Olle Enderlein | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.85 m (29.0 ft) | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.70 m (25.3 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.02 m (9.9 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.50 m (4.9 ft) | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,700 kg (8,157 lbs) | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs) | 2,100 kg (4,630 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 38.0 m² (409 ft²) | 44.0 m² (474 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 22 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 60 L (15.9 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 and 1980 Contest 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 is a 1990s design by Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden, while the 1980 Contest 33 is a 1980s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 was penned by Olle Enderlein. The 1980 Contest 33 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 measures 8.85m (29.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.02m, compared to the 1980 Contest 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 1980 Contest 33 is 1.21m longer than the 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29. The 1980 Contest 33 displaces approximately 41% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.14 and 38.0 m² of sail area. The 1980 Contest 33, with an SA/D of 14.90 and 44.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1980 Contest 33 has a comfort ratio of 22.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 40.5% for the 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 and 40.4% for the 1980 Contest 33, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 provides 5 berths in 2 cabins with 100L of water capacity and 60L of fuel. The 1980 Contest 33 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 100L 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 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1980 Contest 33 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: 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 · 1980 Contest 33