1980 Contest 33 vs 2016 Dehler 30 OD — Comparison

1980 Contest 331980 Contest 33
VS
2016 Dehler 30 OD

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1980 Contest 332016 Dehler 30 OD
General
ManufacturerContestDehler
Year1980–19902016
TypeSloopSloop
CountryNetherlandsGermany
DesignerDick ZaalJudel/Vrolijk
Dimensions
LOA10.06 m (33.0 ft)9.45 m (31.0 ft)
LWL8.23 m (27.0 ft)8.60 m (28.2 ft)
Beam3.20 m (10.5 ft)2.98 m (9.8 ft)
Draft1.60 m (5.2 ft)1.95 m (6.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,200 kg (11,464 lbs)3,700 kg (8,157 lbs)
Ballast2,100 kg (4,630 lbs)1,350 kg (2,976 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area44.0 m² (474 ft²)46.0 m² (495 ft²)
Hull MaterialSteelFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP15 HP
Fuel Capacity100 L (26.4 gal)35 L (9.2 gal)
Water Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)60 L (15.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths64
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1980 Contest 33
14.90
2016 Dehler 30 OD
19.54
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1980 Contest 33
40.38
2016 Dehler 30 OD
36.49
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1980 Contest 33
0.74
2016 Dehler 30 OD
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1980 Contest 33
22.02
2016 Dehler 30 OD
16.93

Detailed Comparison

The 1980 Contest 33 and 2016 Dehler 30 OD represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1980 Contest 33 is a 1980s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 2016 Dehler 30 OD is a modern offering from Dehler from Germany. The 1980 Contest 33 was penned by Dick Zaal. The 2016 Dehler 30 OD was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.

In terms of size, the 1980 Contest 33 measures 10.06m (33.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.20m, compared to the 2016 Dehler 30 OD at 9.45m (31.0ft) with a 2.98m beam. The 1980 Contest 33 is 0.61m longer than the 2016 Dehler 30 OD. The 1980 Contest 33 displaces approximately 41% 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 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 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 2016 Dehler 30 OD has a comfort ratio of 16.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 40.4% for the 1980 Contest 33 and 36.5% for the 2016 Dehler 30 OD, 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 2016 Dehler 30 OD offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 60L water and 35L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1980 Contest 33 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 1980 Contest 33 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: 1980 Contest 33 · 2016 Dehler 30 OD