1991 Hunter 33.5 vs 1972 Contest 31 — Comparison
1972 Contest 31
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1991 Hunter 33.5 | 1972 Contest 31 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hunter | Contest |
| Year | 1991–1996 | 1972–1982 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Netherlands |
| Designer | Glenn Henderson | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.51 m (11.5 ft) | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 50.7 m² (546 ft²) | 39.5 m² (425 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Shoal draft | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 22 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 95 L (25.1 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 152 L (40.2 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1991 Hunter 33.5 and 1972 Contest 31 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1991 Hunter 33.5 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the 1972 Contest 31 is a 1970s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 1991 Hunter 33.5 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The 1972 Contest 31 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the 1991 Hunter 33.5 measures 10.06m (33.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.51m, compared to the 1972 Contest 31 at 9.45m (31.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The 1991 Hunter 33.5 is 0.61m longer than the 1972 Contest 31. The 1991 Hunter 33.5 displaces approximately 20% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1991 Hunter 33.5 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.65 and 50.7 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 1991 Hunter 33.5 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1991 Hunter 33.5 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The 1972 Contest 31 has a comfort ratio of 23.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 37.5% for the 1991 Hunter 33.5 and 40.0% for the 1972 Contest 31, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1991 Hunter 33.5 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 152L of water capacity and 95L 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 1991 Hunter 33.5 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1991 Hunter 33.5 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1991 Hunter 33.5 · 1972 Contest 31