1992 Contest 42 vs 1993 Feeling 36 — Comparison

1992 Contest 421992 Contest 42
VS
1993 Feeling 36

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1992 Contest 421993 Feeling 36
General
ManufacturerContestFeeling
Year1992–20021993–2001
TypeSloopSloop
CountryNetherlandsFrance
DesignerDick ZaalPhilippe Harlé
Dimensions
LOA12.80 m (42.0 ft)10.97 m (36.0 ft)
LWL10.36 m (34.0 ft)9.30 m (30.5 ft)
Beam3.86 m (12.7 ft)3.52 m (11.5 ft)
Draft1.95 m (6.4 ft)1.65 m (5.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement10,400 kg (22,928 lbs)6,200 kg (13,669 lbs)
Ballast4,200 kg (9,259 lbs)2,300 kg (5,071 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area76.0 m² (818 ft²)53.0 m² (571 ft²)
Hull MaterialSteelFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP25 HP
Fuel Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)90 L (23.8 gal)
Water Capacity400 L (105.7 gal)180 L (47.6 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1992 Contest 42
16.20
1993 Feeling 36
15.96
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1992 Contest 42
40.38
1993 Feeling 36
37.10
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1992 Contest 42
0.71
1993 Feeling 36
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1992 Contest 42
21.49
1993 Feeling 36
18.55

Detailed Comparison

The 1992 Contest 42 and 1993 Feeling 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1992 Contest 42 is a 1990s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 1993 Feeling 36 is a 1990s offering from Feeling from France. The 1992 Contest 42 was penned by Dick Zaal. The 1993 Feeling 36 was designed by Philippe Harlé.

In terms of size, the 1992 Contest 42 measures 12.80m (42.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.86m, compared to the 1993 Feeling 36 at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.52m beam. The 1992 Contest 42 is 1.83m longer than the 1993 Feeling 36. The 1992 Contest 42 displaces approximately 68% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1992 Contest 42 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.20 and 76.0 m² of sail area. The 1993 Feeling 36, with an SA/D of 15.96 and 53.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1992 Contest 42 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1992 Contest 42 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.71). The 1993 Feeling 36 has a comfort ratio of 18.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 40.4% for the 1992 Contest 42 and 37.1% for the 1993 Feeling 36, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1992 Contest 42 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 400L of water capacity and 250L of fuel. The 1993 Feeling 36 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 180L water and 90L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1992 Contest 42 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 1992 Contest 42 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1992 Contest 42 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: 1992 Contest 42 · 1993 Feeling 36