1990 Contest 40S vs 1983 Freedom 36 — Comparison
1990 Contest 40S
1983 Freedom 36
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1990 Contest 40S | 1983 Freedom 36 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Freedom |
| Year | 1990–2000 | 1983–1990 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | USA |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Garry Hoyt |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.25 m (40.2 ft) | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) | 3.51 m (11.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.90 m (6.2 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 9,072 kg (20,000 lbs) | 6,123 kg (13,499 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) | 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 68.5 m² (737 ft²) | 49.0 m² (527 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 40 HP | 25 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 250 L (66.0 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 400 L (105.7 gal) | 190 L (50.2 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1990 Contest 40S and 1983 Freedom 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1990 Contest 40S is a 1990s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 1983 Freedom 36 is a 1980s offering from Freedom from USA. The 1990 Contest 40S was penned by Dick Zaal. The 1983 Freedom 36 was designed by Garry Hoyt.
In terms of size, the 1990 Contest 40S measures 12.25m (40.2ft) overall with a beam of 3.72m, compared to the 1983 Freedom 36 at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.51m beam. The 1990 Contest 40S is 1.28m longer than the 1983 Freedom 36. The 1990 Contest 40S displaces approximately 48% 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 1983 Freedom 36, with an SA/D of 14.88 and 49.0 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 1983 Freedom 36 has a comfort ratio of 18.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1990 Contest 40S and 37.0% for the 1983 Freedom 36, 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 1983 Freedom 36 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 190L water and 95L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1990 Contest 40S 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.
Compare Different Boats
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Or view individual specs: 1990 Contest 40S · 1983 Freedom 36