1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 vs 1985 Contest 36 — Comparison
1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34
1985 Contest 36
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 | 1985 Contest 36 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hallberg-Rassy | Contest |
| Year | 1997–2007 | 1985–1995 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Sweden | Netherlands |
| Designer | German Frers | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.35 m (34.0 ft) | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.85 m (29.0 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.34 m (11.0 ft) | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,800 kg (12,787 lbs) | 6,500 kg (14,330 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,400 kg (5,291 lbs) | 2,700 kg (5,952 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 53.0 m² (571 ft²) | 54.0 m² (581 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 28 HP | 28 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 250 L (66.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 and 1985 Contest 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 is a 1990s design by Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden, while the 1985 Contest 36 is a 1980s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 was penned by German Frers. The 1985 Contest 36 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 measures 10.35m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.34m, compared to the 1985 Contest 36 at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 1985 Contest 36 is 0.62m longer than the 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34. The 1985 Contest 36 displaces approximately 12% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.68 and 53.0 m² of sail area. The 1985 Contest 36, with an SA/D of 15.75 and 54.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The 1985 Contest 36 has a comfort ratio of 21.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 41.4% for the 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 and 41.5% for the 1985 Contest 36, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 120L of fuel. The 1985 Contest 36 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 250L water and 150L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1985 Contest 36 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 Hallberg-Rassy 34 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 · 1985 Contest 36