Dufour 36 Classic vs 1992 Contest 42 — Comparison
1992 Contest 42
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Dufour 36 Classic | 1992 Contest 42 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Contest |
| Year | 1996–2003 | 1992–2002 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Netherlands |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.90 m (35.8 ft) | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.50 m (11.5 ft) | 3.86 m (12.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) | 1.95 m (6.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 6,200 kg (13,669 lbs) | 10,400 kg (22,928 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs) | 4,200 kg (9,259 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 57.0 m² (614 ft²) | 76.0 m² (818 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 27 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 110 L (29.1 gal) | 250 L (66.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 400 L (105.7 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Dufour 36 Classic and 1992 Contest 42 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 36 Classic is a 1990s design by Dufour from France, while the 1992 Contest 42 is a 1990s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The Dufour 36 Classic was penned by Umberto Felci. The 1992 Contest 42 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the Dufour 36 Classic measures 10.90m (35.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.50m, compared to the 1992 Contest 42 at 12.80m (42.0ft) with a 3.86m beam. The 1992 Contest 42 is 1.90m longer than the Dufour 36 Classic. 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 Dufour 36 Classic has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.16 and 57.0 m² of sail area. The 1992 Contest 42, with an SA/D of 16.20 and 76.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Dufour 36 Classic has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Dufour 36 Classic offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The 1992 Contest 42 has a comfort ratio of 21.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 32.3% for the Dufour 36 Classic and 40.4% for the 1992 Contest 42, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Dufour 36 Classic provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 110L of fuel. The 1992 Contest 42 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 400L water and 250L 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 Dufour 36 Classic 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: Dufour 36 Classic · 1992 Contest 42