1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F vs 1985 Contest 36 — Comparison
1985 Contest 36
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F | 1985 Contest 36 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hallberg-Rassy | Contest |
| Year | 1986–1995 | 1985–1995 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Sweden | Netherlands |
| Designer | German Frers | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.20 m (33.5 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.90 m (12.8 ft) | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 10,500 kg (23,149 lbs) | 6,500 kg (14,330 lbs) |
| Ballast | 4,200 kg (9,259 lbs) | 2,700 kg (5,952 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 78.0 m² (840 ft²) | 54.0 m² (581 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 55 HP | 28 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 400 L (105.7 gal) | 250 L (66.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F and 1985 Contest 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F is a 1980s design by Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden, while the 1985 Contest 36 is a 1980s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F was penned by German Frers. The 1985 Contest 36 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F measures 12.80m (42.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.90m, compared to the 1985 Contest 36 at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F is 1.83m longer than the 1985 Contest 36. The 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F displaces approximately 62% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.52 and 78.0 m² of sail area. The 1985 Contest 36, with an SA/D of 15.75 and 54.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.71). The 1985 Contest 36 has a comfort ratio of 21.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F and 41.5% for the 1985 Contest 36, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 400L of water capacity and 200L of fuel. The 1985 Contest 36 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 250L water and 150L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F 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 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F 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: 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F · 1985 Contest 36