1972 Contest 31 vs 1993 Feeling 36 — Comparison
1972 Contest 31
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1972 Contest 31 | 1993 Feeling 36 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Feeling |
| Year | 1972–1982 | 1993–2001 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | France |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Philippe Harlé |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 9.30 m (30.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) | 3.52 m (11.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.65 m (5.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) | 6,200 kg (13,669 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 2,300 kg (5,071 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 39.5 m² (425 ft²) | 53.0 m² (571 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 25 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 90 L (23.8 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 180 L (47.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1972 Contest 31 and 1993 Feeling 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1972 Contest 31 is a 1970s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 1993 Feeling 36 is a 1990s offering from Feeling from France. The 1972 Contest 31 was penned by Dick Zaal. The 1993 Feeling 36 was designed by Philippe Harlé.
In terms of size, the 1972 Contest 31 measures 9.45m (31.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the 1993 Feeling 36 at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.52m beam. The 1993 Feeling 36 is 1.52m longer than the 1972 Contest 31. The 1993 Feeling 36 displaces approximately 37% 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 1993 Feeling 36, with an SA/D of 15.96 and 53.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1993 Feeling 36 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 1993 Feeling 36 has a comfort ratio of 18.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1972 Contest 31 and 37.1% for the 1993 Feeling 36, 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 1993 Feeling 36 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 180L water and 90L 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 1993 Feeling 36 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1993 Feeling 36 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 · 1993 Feeling 36