1982 S2 11.0A vs 1972 Contest 31 — Comparison

1982 S2 11.0A1982 S2 11.0A
VS
1972 Contest 311972 Contest 31

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1982 S2 11.0A1972 Contest 31
General
ManufacturerS2Contest
Year1982–19871972–1982
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSANetherlands
DesignerArthur EdmundsDick Zaal
Dimensions
LOA10.97 m (36.0 ft)9.45 m (31.0 ft)
LWL9.14 m (30.0 ft)7.62 m (25.0 ft)
Beam3.40 m (11.2 ft)3.05 m (10.0 ft)
Draft1.68 m (5.5 ft)1.52 m (5.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,670 kg (12,500 lbs)4,536 kg (10,000 lbs)
Ballast2,268 kg (5,000 lbs)1,814 kg (3,999 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area55.0 m² (592 ft²)39.5 m² (425 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassSteel
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)80 L (21.1 gal)
Water Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)150 L (39.6 gal)
Accommodation
Berths65
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1982 S2 11.0A
17.57
1972 Contest 31
14.65
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1982 S2 11.0A
40.00
1972 Contest 31
39.99
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1982 S2 11.0A
0.76
1972 Contest 31
0.74
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1982 S2 11.0A
18.18
1972 Contest 31
23.65

Detailed Comparison

The 1982 S2 11.0A and 1972 Contest 31 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1982 S2 11.0A is a 1980s design by S2 from USA, while the 1972 Contest 31 is a 1970s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 1982 S2 11.0A was penned by Arthur Edmunds. The 1972 Contest 31 was designed by Dick Zaal.

In terms of size, the 1982 S2 11.0A measures 10.97m (36.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.40m, compared to the 1972 Contest 31 at 9.45m (31.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The 1982 S2 11.0A is 1.52m longer than the 1972 Contest 31. The 1982 S2 11.0A displaces approximately 25% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1982 S2 11.0A has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.57 and 55.0 m² of sail area. The 1972 Contest 31, with an SA/D of 14.65 and 39.5 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1982 S2 11.0A has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1982 S2 11.0A offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The 1972 Contest 31 has a comfort ratio of 23.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1982 S2 11.0A and 40.0% for the 1972 Contest 31, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1982 S2 11.0A provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The 1972 Contest 31 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L 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 1982 S2 11.0A has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1982 S2 11.0A 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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