1975 Columbia 34 Mk II vs 1980 Contest 33 — Comparison
1975 Columbia 34 Mk II
1980 Contest 33
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II | 1980 Contest 33 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Columbia | Contest |
| Year | 1975–1980 | 1980–1990 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Netherlands |
| Designer | William Crealock | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,216 kg (11,499 lbs) | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,177 kg (4,799 lbs) | 2,100 kg (4,630 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 46.5 m² (501 ft²) | 44.0 m² (474 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 22 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II and 1980 Contest 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II is a 1970s design by Columbia from USA, while the 1980 Contest 33 is a 1980s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II was penned by William Crealock. The 1980 Contest 33 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the 1980 Contest 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II is 0.30m longer than the 1980 Contest 33. The 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II displaces approximately 0% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.71 and 46.5 m² of sail area. The 1980 Contest 33, with an SA/D of 14.90 and 44.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 23.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.70). The 1980 Contest 33 has a comfort ratio of 22.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 41.7% for the 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II and 40.4% for the 1980 Contest 33, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The 1980 Contest 33 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 100L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II 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 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II 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.