Hanse 320 vs 1972 Contest 31 — Comparison
Hanse 320
1972 Contest 31
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Hanse 320 | 1972 Contest 31 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hanse | Contest |
| Year | 2005–2010 | 1972–1982 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | Netherlands |
| Designer | judel/vrolijk & co | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.92 m (32.5 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.80 m (28.9 ft) | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.28 m (10.8 ft) | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,600 kg (10,141 lbs) | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 46.0 m² (495 ft²) | 39.5 m² (425 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 90 L (23.8 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 Hanse 320 and 1972 Contest 31 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hanse 320 is a 2000s design by Hanse from Germany, while the 1972 Contest 31 is a 1970s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The Hanse 320 was penned by judel/vrolijk & co. The 1972 Contest 31 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the Hanse 320 measures 9.92m (32.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the 1972 Contest 31 at 9.45m (31.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The Hanse 320 is 0.47m longer than the 1972 Contest 31. The Hanse 320 displaces approximately 1% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Hanse 320 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.90 and 46.0 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 Hanse 320 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Hanse 320 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The 1972 Contest 31 has a comfort ratio of 23.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 30.4% for the Hanse 320 and 40.0% for the 1972 Contest 31, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Hanse 320 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L of water capacity and 90L 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 Hanse 320 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The Hanse 320 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: Hanse 320 · 1972 Contest 31