1985 Contest 36 vs 2003 Dehler 42 DS — Comparison
1985 Contest 36
2003 Dehler 42 DS
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1985 Contest 36 | 2003 Dehler 42 DS |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Dehler |
| Year | 1985–1995 | 2003–2010 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | Germany |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Judel/Vrolijk |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) | 12.77 m (41.9 ft) |
| LWL | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) | 11.20 m (36.7 ft) |
| Beam | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) | 3.93 m (12.9 ft) |
| Draft | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 6,500 kg (14,330 lbs) | 8,800 kg (19,401 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,700 kg (5,952 lbs) | 3,000 kg (6,614 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 54.0 m² (581 ft²) | 78.0 m² (840 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 28 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 250 L (66.0 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1985 Contest 36 and 2003 Dehler 42 DS represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1985 Contest 36 is a 1980s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 2003 Dehler 42 DS is a 2000s offering from Dehler from Germany. The 1985 Contest 36 was penned by Dick Zaal. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.
In terms of size, the 1985 Contest 36 measures 10.97m (36.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.40m, compared to the 2003 Dehler 42 DS at 12.77m (41.9ft) with a 3.93m beam. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS is 1.80m longer than the 1985 Contest 36. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS displaces approximately 35% 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 2003 Dehler 42 DS, with an SA/D of 18.59 and 78.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS 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 2003 Dehler 42 DS has a comfort ratio of 16.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 41.5% for the 1985 Contest 36 and 34.1% for the 2003 Dehler 42 DS, 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 2003 Dehler 42 DS offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 200L water and 100L 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 2003 Dehler 42 DS has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2003 Dehler 42 DS offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.