1989 Catalina 36 vs 1972 Contest 31 — Comparison
1989 Catalina 36
1972 Contest 31
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1989 Catalina 36 | 1972 Contest 31 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Contest |
| Year | 1989–1994 | 1972–1982 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Netherlands |
| Designer | Frank Butler | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.65 m (12.0 ft) | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 6,804 kg (15,000 lbs) | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 56.3 m² (606 ft²) | 39.5 m² (425 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 22 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 189 L (49.9 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1989 Catalina 36 and 1972 Contest 31 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1989 Catalina 36 is a 1980s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1972 Contest 31 is a 1970s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 1989 Catalina 36 was penned by Frank Butler. The 1972 Contest 31 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the 1989 Catalina 36 measures 10.97m (36.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.65m, compared to the 1972 Contest 31 at 9.45m (31.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The 1989 Catalina 36 is 1.52m longer than the 1972 Contest 31. The 1989 Catalina 36 displaces approximately 50% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1989 Catalina 36 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.93 and 56.3 m² of sail area. The 1972 Contest 31, with an SA/D of 14.65 and 39.5 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1989 Catalina 36 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1989 Catalina 36 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1972 Contest 31 has a comfort ratio of 23.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1989 Catalina 36 and 40.0% for the 1972 Contest 31, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1989 Catalina 36 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 189L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The 1972 Contest 31 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1972 Contest 31 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 1989 Catalina 36 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1989 Catalina 36 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: 1989 Catalina 36 · 1972 Contest 31