1988 Contest 38 vs 2014 X-Yachts X-40 — Comparison
1988 Contest 38
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1988 Contest 38 | 2014 X-Yachts X-40 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | X-Yachts |
| Year | 1988–1996 | 2014–2019 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | Denmark |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Niels Jeppesen |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.55 m (37.9 ft) | 12.15 m (39.9 ft) |
| LWL | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 10.70 m (35.1 ft) |
| Beam | 3.47 m (11.4 ft) | 3.70 m (12.1 ft) |
| Draft | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) | 2.20 m (7.2 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,711 kg (17,000 lbs) | 8,000 kg (17,637 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) | 3,000 kg (6,614 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 61.5 m² (662 ft²) | 75.0 m² (807 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 35 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 110 L (29.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 300 L (79.3 gal) | 220 L (58.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1988 Contest 38 and 2014 X-Yachts X-40 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1988 Contest 38 is a 1980s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 2014 X-Yachts X-40 is a modern offering from X-Yachts from Denmark. The 1988 Contest 38 was penned by Dick Zaal. The 2014 X-Yachts X-40 was designed by Niels Jeppesen.
In terms of size, the 1988 Contest 38 measures 11.55m (37.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.47m, compared to the 2014 X-Yachts X-40 at 12.15m (39.9ft) with a 3.70m beam. The 2014 X-Yachts X-40 is 0.60m longer than the 1988 Contest 38. The 2014 X-Yachts X-40 displaces approximately 4% 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 2014 X-Yachts X-40, with an SA/D of 19.05 and 75.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2014 X-Yachts X-40 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 2014 X-Yachts X-40 has a comfort ratio of 17.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 41.2% for the 1988 Contest 38 and 37.5% for the 2014 X-Yachts X-40, 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 2014 X-Yachts X-40 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 220L water and 110L 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 2014 X-Yachts X-40 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2014 X-Yachts X-40 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 · 2014 X-Yachts X-40