2003 Dufour 34 vs 1985 Contest 36 — Comparison
2003 Dufour 34
1985 Contest 36
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2003 Dufour 34 | 1985 Contest 36 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Contest |
| Year | 2003–2007 | 1985–1995 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Netherlands |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.30 m (33.8 ft) | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.95 m (29.4 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.37 m (11.1 ft) | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,500 kg (12,125 lbs) | 6,500 kg (14,330 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,800 kg (3,968 lbs) | 2,700 kg (5,952 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 52.5 m² (565 ft²) | 54.0 m² (581 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 20 HP | 28 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 75 L (19.8 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 140 L (37.0 gal) | 250 L (66.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2003 Dufour 34 and 1985 Contest 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2003 Dufour 34 is a 2000s design by Dufour from France, while the 1985 Contest 36 is a 1980s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 2003 Dufour 34 was penned by Umberto Felci. The 1985 Contest 36 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the 2003 Dufour 34 measures 10.30m (33.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.37m, compared to the 1985 Contest 36 at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 1985 Contest 36 is 0.67m longer than the 2003 Dufour 34. The 1985 Contest 36 displaces approximately 18% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2003 Dufour 34 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.12 and 52.5 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 2003 Dufour 34 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2003 Dufour 34 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The 1985 Contest 36 has a comfort ratio of 21.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 32.7% for the 2003 Dufour 34 and 41.5% for the 1985 Contest 36, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2003 Dufour 34 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 140L of water capacity and 75L 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 2003 Dufour 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.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 2003 Dufour 34 · 1985 Contest 36