1988 Contest 38 vs Beneteau First 29 — Comparison
1988 Contest 38
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1988 Contest 38 | Beneteau First 29 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Beneteau |
| Year | 1988–1996 | 1995–2000 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | France |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Bruce Farr |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.55 m (37.9 ft) | 8.90 m (29.2 ft) |
| LWL | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 7.95 m (26.1 ft) |
| Beam | 3.47 m (11.4 ft) | 2.95 m (9.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) | 1.65 m (5.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,711 kg (17,000 lbs) | 3,100 kg (6,834 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) | 1,080 kg (2,381 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 61.5 m² (662 ft²) | 39.5 m² (425 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 35 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 50 L (13.2 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 300 L (79.3 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1988 Contest 38 and Beneteau First 29 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1988 Contest 38 is a 1980s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the Beneteau First 29 is a 1990s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1988 Contest 38 was penned by Dick Zaal. The Beneteau First 29 was designed by Bruce Farr.
In terms of size, the 1988 Contest 38 measures 11.55m (37.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.47m, compared to the Beneteau First 29 at 8.90m (29.2ft) with a 2.95m beam. The 1988 Contest 38 is 2.65m longer than the Beneteau First 29. The 1988 Contest 38 displaces approximately 149% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1988 Contest 38 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.01 and 61.5 m² of sail area. The Beneteau First 29, with an SA/D of 18.88 and 39.5 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Beneteau First 29 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1988 Contest 38 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 23.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.70). The Beneteau First 29 has a comfort ratio of 16.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.81. The ballast ratios are 41.2% for the 1988 Contest 38 and 34.8% for the Beneteau First 29, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1988 Contest 38 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 300L of water capacity and 200L of fuel. The Beneteau First 29 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 80L water and 50L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1988 Contest 38 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 Beneteau First 29 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1988 Contest 38 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: 1988 Contest 38 · Beneteau First 29