1988 Contest 38 vs 2016 Dehler 36 SQ — Comparison
1988 Contest 38
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1988 Contest 38 | 2016 Dehler 36 SQ |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Dehler |
| Year | 1988–1996 | 2016 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | Germany |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Judel/Vrolijk |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.55 m (37.9 ft) | 10.85 m (35.6 ft) |
| LWL | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 9.85 m (32.3 ft) |
| Beam | 3.47 m (11.4 ft) | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,711 kg (17,000 lbs) | 5,500 kg (12,125 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) | 1,800 kg (3,968 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 61.5 m² (662 ft²) | 57.0 m² (614 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 35 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 55 L (14.5 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 300 L (79.3 gal) | 120 L (31.7 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1988 Contest 38 and 2016 Dehler 36 SQ represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1988 Contest 38 is a 1980s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ is a modern offering from Dehler from Germany. The 1988 Contest 38 was penned by Dick Zaal. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ at 10.85m (35.6ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 1988 Contest 38 is 0.70m longer than the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ. The 1988 Contest 38 displaces approximately 40% 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ, with an SA/D of 18.59 and 57.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ has a comfort ratio of 16.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 41.2% for the 1988 Contest 38 and 32.7% for the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ, 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 120L water and 55L 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ 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.