Hanse 320 vs 1992 Contest 42 — Comparison
Hanse 320
1992 Contest 42
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Hanse 320 | 1992 Contest 42 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hanse | Contest |
| Year | 2005–2010 | 1992–2002 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | Netherlands |
| Designer | judel/vrolijk & co | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.92 m (32.5 ft) | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.80 m (28.9 ft) | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.28 m (10.8 ft) | 3.86 m (12.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) | 1.95 m (6.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,600 kg (10,141 lbs) | 10,400 kg (22,928 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) | 4,200 kg (9,259 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 46.0 m² (495 ft²) | 76.0 m² (818 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 90 L (23.8 gal) | 250 L (66.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 400 L (105.7 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Hanse 320 and 1992 Contest 42 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hanse 320 is a 2000s design by Hanse from Germany, while the 1992 Contest 42 is a 1990s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The Hanse 320 was penned by judel/vrolijk & co. The 1992 Contest 42 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the Hanse 320 measures 9.92m (32.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the 1992 Contest 42 at 12.80m (42.0ft) with a 3.86m beam. The 1992 Contest 42 is 2.88m longer than the Hanse 320. The 1992 Contest 42 displaces approximately 126% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Hanse 320 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.90 and 46.0 m² of sail area. The 1992 Contest 42, with an SA/D of 16.20 and 76.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Hanse 320 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Hanse 320 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The 1992 Contest 42 has a comfort ratio of 21.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 30.4% for the Hanse 320 and 40.4% for the 1992 Contest 42, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Hanse 320 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L of water capacity and 90L of fuel. The 1992 Contest 42 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 400L water and 250L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1992 Contest 42 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 Hanse 320 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1992 Contest 42 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: Hanse 320 · 1992 Contest 42