1985 Contest 36 vs 2007 Moody 46 — Comparison

1985 Contest 361985 Contest 36
VS
2007 Moody 46

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1985 Contest 362007 Moody 46
General
ManufacturerContestMoody
Year1985–19952007–2014
TypeSloopSloop
CountryNetherlandsGermany
DesignerDick ZaalBill Dixon
Dimensions
LOA10.97 m (36.0 ft)13.95 m (45.8 ft)
LWL8.84 m (29.0 ft)12.30 m (40.4 ft)
Beam3.40 m (11.2 ft)4.49 m (14.7 ft)
Draft1.75 m (5.7 ft)1.89 m (6.2 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,500 kg (14,330 lbs)14,500 kg (31,967 lbs)
Ballast2,700 kg (5,952 lbs)5,200 kg (11,464 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area54.0 m² (581 ft²)96.0 m² (1,033 ft²)
Hull MaterialSteelFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine28 HP75 HP
Fuel Capacity150 L (39.6 gal)300 L (79.3 gal)
Water Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)500 L (132.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths68
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1985 Contest 36
15.75
2007 Moody 46
16.40
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1985 Contest 36
41.54
2007 Moody 46
35.86
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1985 Contest 36
0.73
2007 Moody 46
0.74
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1985 Contest 36
21.78
2007 Moody 46
18.40

Detailed Comparison

The 1985 Contest 36 and 2007 Moody 46 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1985 Contest 36 is a 1980s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 2007 Moody 46 is a 2000s offering from Moody from Germany. The 1985 Contest 36 was penned by Dick Zaal. The 2007 Moody 46 was designed by Bill Dixon.

In terms of size, the 1985 Contest 36 measures 10.97m (36.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.40m, compared to the 2007 Moody 46 at 13.95m (45.8ft) with a 4.49m beam. The 2007 Moody 46 is 2.98m longer than the 1985 Contest 36. The 2007 Moody 46 displaces approximately 123% 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 2007 Moody 46, with an SA/D of 16.40 and 96.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2007 Moody 46 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 2007 Moody 46 has a comfort ratio of 18.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 41.5% for the 1985 Contest 36 and 35.9% for the 2007 Moody 46, 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 2007 Moody 46 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 500L water and 300L 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 2007 Moody 46 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2007 Moody 46 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 · 2007 Moody 46