1980 Contest 33 vs 1991 Westerly Seahawk — Comparison
1980 Contest 33
1991 Westerly Seahawk
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1980 Contest 33 | 1991 Westerly Seahawk |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Westerly |
| Year | 1980–1990 | 1991–1997 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | UK |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Ed Dubois |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) | 3.35 m (11.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) | 6,123 kg (13,499 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,100 kg (4,630 lbs) | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 44.0 m² (474 ft²) | 48.0 m² (517 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 22 HP | 28 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 220 L (58.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1980 Contest 33 and 1991 Westerly Seahawk represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1980 Contest 33 is a 1980s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 1991 Westerly Seahawk is a 1990s offering from Westerly from UK. The 1980 Contest 33 was penned by Dick Zaal. The 1991 Westerly Seahawk was designed by Ed Dubois.
In terms of size, the 1980 Contest 33 measures 10.06m (33.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.20m, compared to the 1991 Westerly Seahawk at 10.36m (34.0ft) with a 3.35m beam. The 1991 Westerly Seahawk is 0.30m longer than the 1980 Contest 33. The 1991 Westerly Seahawk displaces approximately 18% 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 1991 Westerly Seahawk, with an SA/D of 14.57 and 48.0 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 1991 Westerly Seahawk has a comfort ratio of 22.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 40.4% for the 1980 Contest 33 and 40.8% for the 1991 Westerly Seahawk, 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 1991 Westerly Seahawk offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 220L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1991 Westerly Seahawk 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: The 1991 Westerly Seahawk offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended 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 · 1991 Westerly Seahawk