1963 Cal 40 vs 1985 Contest 36 — Comparison
1963 Cal 40
1985 Contest 36
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1963 Cal 40 | 1985 Contest 36 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Cal | Contest |
| Year | 1963–1972 | 1985–1995 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Netherlands |
| Designer | Bill Lapworth | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.35 m (11.0 ft) | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,030 kg (15,498 lbs) | 6,500 kg (14,330 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) | 2,700 kg (5,952 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 61.3 m² (660 ft²) | 54.0 m² (581 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 22 HP | 28 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 250 L (66.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1963 Cal 40 and 1985 Contest 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1963 Cal 40 is a classic design by Cal from USA, while the 1985 Contest 36 is a 1980s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 1963 Cal 40 was penned by Bill Lapworth. The 1985 Contest 36 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the 1963 Cal 40 measures 12.19m (40.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.35m, compared to the 1985 Contest 36 at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 1963 Cal 40 is 1.22m longer than the 1985 Contest 36. The 1963 Cal 40 displaces approximately 8% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1963 Cal 40 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.97 and 61.3 m² of sail area. The 1985 Contest 36, with an SA/D of 15.75 and 54.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1963 Cal 40 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1963 Cal 40 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.70). The 1985 Contest 36 has a comfort ratio of 21.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 38.7% for the 1963 Cal 40 and 41.5% for the 1985 Contest 36, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1963 Cal 40 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The 1985 Contest 36 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 250L water and 150L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1985 Contest 36 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 1963 Cal 40 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.
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Or view individual specs: 1963 Cal 40 · 1985 Contest 36