1997 Moody 38 vs 1985 Contest 36 — Comparison
1985 Contest 36
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1997 Moody 38 | 1985 Contest 36 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Moody | Contest |
| Year | 1997–2003 | 1985–1995 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | UK | Netherlands |
| Designer | Bill Dixon | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 8,165 kg (18,001 lbs) | 6,500 kg (14,330 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) | 2,700 kg (5,952 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 59.8 m² (644 ft²) | 54.0 m² (581 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Bilge | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 35 HP | 28 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 227 L (60.0 gal) | 250 L (66.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1997 Moody 38 and 1985 Contest 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1997 Moody 38 is a 1990s design by Moody from UK, while the 1985 Contest 36 is a 1980s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 1997 Moody 38 was penned by Bill Dixon. The 1985 Contest 36 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the 1997 Moody 38 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.72m, compared to the 1985 Contest 36 at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 1997 Moody 38 is 0.61m longer than the 1985 Contest 36. The 1997 Moody 38 displaces approximately 26% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1997 Moody 38 has modest sail power for its displacement with an SA/D ratio of 14.98 and 59.8 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 1985 Contest 36 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1997 Moody 38 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.0) 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 38.9% for the 1997 Moody 38 and 41.5% for the 1985 Contest 36, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1997 Moody 38 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L of water capacity and 114L 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 1985 Contest 36 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1997 Moody 38 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: 1997 Moody 38 · 1985 Contest 36