1997 Dufour 30 Classic vs 1980 Contest 33 — Comparison
1997 Dufour 30 Classic
1980 Contest 33
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1997 Dufour 30 Classic | 1980 Contest 33 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Contest |
| Year | 1997–2003 | 1980–1990 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Netherlands |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.15 m (30.0 ft) | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.80 m (25.6 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.10 m (10.2 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,800 kg (8,378 lbs) | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) | 2,100 kg (4,630 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 40.0 m² (431 ft²) | 44.0 m² (474 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 22 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 50 L (13.2 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 90 L (23.8 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic and 1980 Contest 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic is a 1990s design by Dufour from France, while the 1980 Contest 33 is a 1980s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic was penned by Umberto Felci. The 1980 Contest 33 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic measures 9.15m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.10m, compared to the 1980 Contest 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 1980 Contest 33 is 0.91m longer than the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic. The 1980 Contest 33 displaces approximately 37% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.69 and 40.0 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 1997 Dufour 30 Classic has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.2) 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 36.8% for the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic and 40.4% for the 1980 Contest 33, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic provides 5 berths in 2 cabins with 90L of water capacity and 50L 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 1997 Dufour 30 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 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.