1980 Contest 33 vs 1983 Irwin 32 — Comparison
1980 Contest 33
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1980 Contest 33 | 1983 Irwin 32 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Irwin |
| Year | 1980–1990 | 1983–1988 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | USA |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Ted Irwin |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) | 4,990 kg (11,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,100 kg (4,630 lbs) | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 44.0 m² (474 ft²) | 41.0 m² (441 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 22 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1980 Contest 33 and 1983 Irwin 32 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1980 Contest 33 is a 1980s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 1983 Irwin 32 is a 1980s offering from Irwin from USA. The 1980 Contest 33 was penned by Dick Zaal. The 1983 Irwin 32 was designed by Ted Irwin.
In terms of size, the 1980 Contest 33 measures 10.06m (33.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.20m, compared to the 1983 Irwin 32 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 1980 Contest 33 is 0.31m longer than the 1983 Irwin 32. The 1980 Contest 33 displaces approximately 4% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1980 Contest 33 has modest sail power for its displacement with an SA/D ratio of 14.90 and 44.0 m² of sail area. The 1983 Irwin 32, with an SA/D of 14.27 and 41.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1980 Contest 33 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1980 Contest 33 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 22.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The 1983 Irwin 32 has a comfort ratio of 22.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 40.4% for the 1980 Contest 33 and 40.9% for the 1983 Irwin 32, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1980 Contest 33 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 100L of fuel. The 1983 Irwin 32 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 68L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1983 Irwin 32 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 1980 Contest 33 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.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1980 Contest 33 · 1983 Irwin 32