1985 Contest 36 vs 1982 Freedom 28 — Comparison
1985 Contest 36
1982 Freedom 28
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1985 Contest 36 | 1982 Freedom 28 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Freedom |
| Year | 1985–1995 | 1982–1988 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | USA |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Garry Hoyt |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) | 7.01 m (23.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) | 2.84 m (9.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) | 1.14 m (3.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 6,500 kg (14,330 lbs) | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,700 kg (5,952 lbs) | 907 kg (2,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 54.0 m² (581 ft²) | 29.0 m² (312 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 28 HP | 10 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 38 L (10.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 250 L (66.0 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1985 Contest 36 and 1982 Freedom 28 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1985 Contest 36 is a 1980s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 1982 Freedom 28 is a 1980s offering from Freedom from USA. The 1985 Contest 36 was penned by Dick Zaal. The 1982 Freedom 28 was designed by Garry Hoyt.
In terms of size, the 1985 Contest 36 measures 10.97m (36.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.40m, compared to the 1982 Freedom 28 at 8.53m (28.0ft) with a 2.84m beam. The 1985 Contest 36 is 2.44m longer than the 1982 Freedom 28. The 1985 Contest 36 displaces approximately 161% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1985 Contest 36 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.75 and 54.0 m² of sail area. The 1982 Freedom 28, with an SA/D of 16.02 and 29.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1982 Freedom 28 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1985 Contest 36 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.73). The 1982 Freedom 28 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.84. The ballast ratios are 41.5% for the 1985 Contest 36 and 36.4% for the 1982 Freedom 28, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1985 Contest 36 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 250L of water capacity and 150L of fuel. The 1982 Freedom 28 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 38L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1985 Contest 36 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 Freedom 28 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1985 Contest 36 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: 1985 Contest 36 · 1982 Freedom 28