Beneteau First 35 vs 1980 Contest 33 — Comparison
1980 Contest 33
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Beneteau First 35 | 1980 Contest 33 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Contest |
| Year | 2004–2009 | 1980–1990 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Netherlands |
| Designer | Farr Yacht Design | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.68 m (35.0 ft) | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.45 m (11.3 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,500 kg (12,125 lbs) | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,900 kg (4,189 lbs) | 2,100 kg (4,630 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 61.0 m² (657 ft²) | 44.0 m² (474 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 21 HP | 22 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 180 L (47.6 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Beneteau First 35 and 1980 Contest 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 35 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the 1980 Contest 33 is a 1980s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The Beneteau First 35 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The 1980 Contest 33 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the Beneteau First 35 measures 10.68m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.45m, compared to the 1980 Contest 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The Beneteau First 35 is 0.62m longer than the 1980 Contest 33. The Beneteau First 35 displaces approximately 6% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Beneteau First 35 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 19.89 and 61.0 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 Beneteau First 35 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Beneteau First 35 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1980 Contest 33 has a comfort ratio of 22.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 34.6% for the Beneteau First 35 and 40.4% for the 1980 Contest 33, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Beneteau First 35 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 180L of water capacity and 100L 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 Beneteau First 35 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: Beneteau First 35 · 1980 Contest 33