1994 J/105 vs 1972 Contest 31 — Comparison
1972 Contest 31
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1994 J/105 | 1972 Contest 31 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | J/Boats | Contest |
| Year | 1994–2008 | 1972–1982 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Netherlands |
| Designer | Rod Johnstone | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.52 m (34.5 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.97 m (29.4 ft) | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.28 m (10.8 ft) | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.98 m (6.5 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,678 kg (3,699 lbs) | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 57.6 m² (620 ft²) | 39.5 m² (425 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 38 L (10.0 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1994 J/105 and 1972 Contest 31 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1994 J/105 is a 1990s design by J/Boats from USA, while the 1972 Contest 31 is a 1970s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 1994 J/105 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The 1972 Contest 31 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the 1994 J/105 measures 10.52m (34.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the 1972 Contest 31 at 9.45m (31.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The 1994 J/105 is 1.07m longer than the 1972 Contest 31. The 1972 Contest 31 displaces approximately 18% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1994 J/105 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 23.80 and 57.6 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 1994 J/105 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1994 J/105 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 13.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.84). The 1972 Contest 31 has a comfort ratio of 23.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 43.5% for the 1994 J/105 and 40.0% for the 1972 Contest 31, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1994 J/105 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 57L of water capacity and 38L 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 1994 J/105 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1994 J/105 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 J/105 · 1972 Contest 31