Dufour 32 Classic vs 1972 Contest 31 — Comparison
1972 Contest 31
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Dufour 32 Classic | 1972 Contest 31 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Contest |
| Year | 1995–2002 | 1972–1982 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Netherlands |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.70 m (31.8 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.40 m (27.6 ft) | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs) | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 45.0 m² (484 ft²) | 39.5 m² (425 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Dufour 32 Classic and 1972 Contest 31 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 32 Classic is a 1990s design by Dufour from France, while the 1972 Contest 31 is a 1970s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The Dufour 32 Classic was penned by Umberto Felci. The 1972 Contest 31 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the Dufour 32 Classic measures 9.70m (31.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.20m, compared to the 1972 Contest 31 at 9.45m (31.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The Dufour 32 Classic is 0.25m longer than the 1972 Contest 31. The 1972 Contest 31 displaces approximately 1% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Dufour 32 Classic has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.78 and 45.0 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 Dufour 32 Classic has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Dufour 32 Classic offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1972 Contest 31 has a comfort ratio of 23.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 31.1% for the Dufour 32 Classic and 40.0% for the 1972 Contest 31, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Dufour 32 Classic provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L of water capacity and 80L 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 Dufour 32 Classic has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The Dufour 32 Classic 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: Dufour 32 Classic · 1972 Contest 31