2005 Sabre 426 vs 1980 Contest 33 — Comparison
2005 Sabre 426
1980 Contest 33
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2005 Sabre 426 | 1980 Contest 33 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Sabre | Contest |
| Year | 2005–2012 | 1980–1990 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Netherlands |
| Designer | Jim Taylor | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.95 m (42.5 ft) | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.67 m (35.0 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.98 m (6.5 ft) | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 9,979 kg (22,000 lbs) | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) | 2,100 kg (4,630 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 77.5 m² (834 ft²) | 44.0 m² (474 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 55 HP | 22 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 189 L (49.9 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 303 L (80.0 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2005 Sabre 426 and 1980 Contest 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2005 Sabre 426 is a 2000s design by Sabre from USA, while the 1980 Contest 33 is a 1980s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 2005 Sabre 426 was penned by Jim Taylor. The 1980 Contest 33 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the 2005 Sabre 426 measures 12.95m (42.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the 1980 Contest 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 2005 Sabre 426 is 2.89m longer than the 1980 Contest 33. The 2005 Sabre 426 displaces approximately 92% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2005 Sabre 426 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.99 and 77.5 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 2005 Sabre 426 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2005 Sabre 426 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The 1980 Contest 33 has a comfort ratio of 22.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 38.6% for the 2005 Sabre 426 and 40.4% for the 1980 Contest 33, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2005 Sabre 426 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 303L of water capacity and 189L 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 2005 Sabre 426 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2005 Sabre 426 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: 2005 Sabre 426 · 1980 Contest 33