1990 Contest 40S vs 1980 Contest 33 — Comparison
1990 Contest 40S
1980 Contest 33
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1990 Contest 40S | 1980 Contest 33 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Contest |
| Year | 1990–2000 | 1980–1990 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | Netherlands |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.25 m (40.2 ft) | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.90 m (6.2 ft) | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 9,072 kg (20,000 lbs) | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) | 2,100 kg (4,630 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 68.5 m² (737 ft²) | 44.0 m² (474 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 40 HP | 22 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 250 L (66.0 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 400 L (105.7 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1990 Contest 40S and 1980 Contest 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1990 Contest 40S is a 1990s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 1980 Contest 33 is a 1980s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 1990 Contest 40S was penned by Dick Zaal. The 1980 Contest 33 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the 1990 Contest 40S measures 12.25m (40.2ft) overall with a beam of 3.72m, compared to the 1980 Contest 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 1990 Contest 40S is 2.19m longer than the 1980 Contest 33. The 1990 Contest 40S displaces approximately 74% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1990 Contest 40S has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.00 and 68.5 m² of sail area. The 1980 Contest 33, with an SA/D of 14.90 and 44.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1990 Contest 40S has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1990 Contest 40S offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.71). The 1980 Contest 33 has a comfort ratio of 22.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1990 Contest 40S and 40.4% for the 1980 Contest 33, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1990 Contest 40S provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 400L of water capacity and 250L of fuel. The 1980 Contest 33 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 100L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1980 Contest 33 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 1990 Contest 40S 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: 1990 Contest 40S · 1980 Contest 33