1972 Contest 31 vs 2016 Dehler 30 OD — Comparison
1972 Contest 31
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1972 Contest 31 | 2016 Dehler 30 OD |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Dehler |
| Year | 1972–1982 | 2016 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | Germany |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Judel/Vrolijk |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 8.60 m (28.2 ft) |
| Beam | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) | 2.98 m (9.8 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.95 m (6.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) | 3,700 kg (8,157 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 1,350 kg (2,976 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 39.5 m² (425 ft²) | 46.0 m² (495 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 35 L (9.2 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 60 L (15.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 4 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1972 Contest 31 and 2016 Dehler 30 OD represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1972 Contest 31 is a 1970s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 2016 Dehler 30 OD is a modern offering from Dehler from Germany. The 1972 Contest 31 was penned by Dick Zaal. The 2016 Dehler 30 OD was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.
In terms of size, the 1972 Contest 31 measures 9.45m (31.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the 2016 Dehler 30 OD at 9.45m (31.0ft) with a 2.98m beam. The 1972 Contest 31 displaces approximately 23% 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 2016 Dehler 30 OD, with an SA/D of 19.54 and 46.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2016 Dehler 30 OD 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 2016 Dehler 30 OD has a comfort ratio of 16.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1972 Contest 31 and 36.5% for the 2016 Dehler 30 OD, 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 2016 Dehler 30 OD offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 60L water and 35L 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 2016 Dehler 30 OD 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 · 2016 Dehler 30 OD