1990 Dehler 31 vs 1980 Contest 33 — Comparison
1990 Dehler 31
1980 Contest 33
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1990 Dehler 31 | 1980 Contest 33 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dehler | Contest |
| Year | 1990–1996 | 1980–1990 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | Netherlands |
| Designer | Judel/Vrolijk | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.13 m (10.3 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.65 m (5.4 ft) | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,900 kg (8,598 lbs) | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,560 kg (3,439 lbs) | 2,100 kg (4,630 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 44.0 m² (474 ft²) | 44.0 m² (474 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 22 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 60 L (15.9 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1990 Dehler 31 and 1980 Contest 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1990 Dehler 31 is a 1990s design by Dehler from Germany, while the 1980 Contest 33 is a 1980s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 1990 Dehler 31 was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The 1980 Contest 33 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the 1990 Dehler 31 measures 9.45m (31.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.13m, compared to the 1980 Contest 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 1980 Contest 33 is 0.61m longer than the 1990 Dehler 31. The 1980 Contest 33 displaces approximately 33% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1990 Dehler 31 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.05 and 44.0 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 Dehler 31 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1990 Dehler 31 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). 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 Dehler 31 and 40.4% for the 1980 Contest 33, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1990 Dehler 31 provides 5 berths in 2 cabins with 100L of water capacity and 60L 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 Dehler 31 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1980 Contest 33 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.