1988 Contest 38 vs 2005 Dehler 34 — Comparison
1988 Contest 38
2005 Dehler 34
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1988 Contest 38 | 2005 Dehler 34 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Dehler |
| Year | 1988–1996 | 2005–2012 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | Germany |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Judel/Vrolijk |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.55 m (37.9 ft) | 10.30 m (33.8 ft) |
| LWL | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 9.10 m (29.9 ft) |
| Beam | 3.47 m (11.4 ft) | 3.25 m (10.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,711 kg (17,000 lbs) | 4,800 kg (10,582 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) | 1,700 kg (3,748 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 61.5 m² (662 ft²) | 50.0 m² (538 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 35 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 50 L (13.2 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 300 L (79.3 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1988 Contest 38 and 2005 Dehler 34 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1988 Contest 38 is a 1980s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 2005 Dehler 34 is a 2000s offering from Dehler from Germany. The 1988 Contest 38 was penned by Dick Zaal. The 2005 Dehler 34 was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.
In terms of size, the 1988 Contest 38 measures 11.55m (37.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.47m, compared to the 2005 Dehler 34 at 10.30m (33.8ft) with a 3.25m beam. The 1988 Contest 38 is 1.25m longer than the 2005 Dehler 34. The 1988 Contest 38 displaces approximately 61% 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 2005 Dehler 34, with an SA/D of 17.85 and 50.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2005 Dehler 34 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 2005 Dehler 34 has a comfort ratio of 17.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 41.2% for the 1988 Contest 38 and 35.4% for the 2005 Dehler 34, 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 2005 Dehler 34 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 100L 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 2005 Dehler 34 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 1988 Contest 38 · 2005 Dehler 34