1972 Contest 31 vs 1978 Cape Dory 270 — Comparison
1972 Contest 31
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1972 Contest 31 | 1978 Cape Dory 270 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Cape Dory |
| Year | 1972–1982 | 1978–1985 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | USA |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Carl Alberg |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 6.40 m (21.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) | 2.59 m (8.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.14 m (3.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 1,134 kg (2,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 39.5 m² (425 ft²) | 28.0 m² (301 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 12 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 38 L (10.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 4 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1972 Contest 31 and 1978 Cape Dory 270 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1972 Contest 31 is a 1970s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 1978 Cape Dory 270 is a 1970s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The 1972 Contest 31 was penned by Dick Zaal. The 1978 Cape Dory 270 was designed by Carl Alberg.
In terms of size, the 1972 Contest 31 measures 9.45m (31.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the 1978 Cape Dory 270 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.59m beam. The 1972 Contest 31 is 1.22m longer than the 1978 Cape Dory 270. The 1972 Contest 31 displaces approximately 67% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1972 Contest 31 has modest sail power for its displacement with an SA/D ratio of 14.65 and 39.5 m² of sail area. The 1978 Cape Dory 270, with an SA/D of 14.60 and 28.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1972 Contest 31 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1972 Contest 31 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 23.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The 1978 Cape Dory 270 has a comfort ratio of 24.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1972 Contest 31 and 41.7% for the 1978 Cape Dory 270, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1972 Contest 31 provides 5 berths in 2 cabins with 150L of water capacity and 80L of fuel. The 1978 Cape Dory 270 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 68L water and 38L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1978 Cape Dory 270 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 1972 Contest 31 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1972 Contest 31 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: 1972 Contest 31 · 1978 Cape Dory 270