Dufour 385 Grand Large vs 1972 Contest 31 — Comparison
1972 Contest 31
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Dufour 385 Grand Large | 1972 Contest 31 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Contest |
| Year | 2006–2010 | 1972–1982 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Netherlands |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.53 m (37.8 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.10 m (33.1 ft) | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.68 m (12.1 ft) | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.90 m (6.2 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,100 kg (15,653 lbs) | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,150 kg (4,740 lbs) | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 62.0 m² (667 ft²) | 39.5 m² (425 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 29 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 130 L (34.3 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 250 L (66.0 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Dufour 385 Grand Large and 1972 Contest 31 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 385 Grand Large is a 2000s design by Dufour from France, while the 1972 Contest 31 is a 1970s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The Dufour 385 Grand Large was penned by Umberto Felci. The 1972 Contest 31 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the Dufour 385 Grand Large measures 11.53m (37.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.68m, compared to the 1972 Contest 31 at 9.45m (31.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The Dufour 385 Grand Large is 2.08m longer than the 1972 Contest 31. The Dufour 385 Grand Large displaces approximately 57% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Dufour 385 Grand Large has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.05 and 62.0 m² of sail area. The 1972 Contest 31, with an SA/D of 14.65 and 39.5 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The Dufour 385 Grand Large has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Dufour 385 Grand Large offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1972 Contest 31 has a comfort ratio of 23.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 30.3% for the Dufour 385 Grand Large and 40.0% for the 1972 Contest 31, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Dufour 385 Grand Large provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 250L of water capacity and 130L of fuel. The 1972 Contest 31 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1972 Contest 31 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 Dufour 385 Grand Large has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The Dufour 385 Grand Large 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: Dufour 385 Grand Large · 1972 Contest 31