2008 Catalina 350 vs 1980 Contest 33 — Comparison
1980 Contest 33
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2008 Catalina 350 | 1980 Contest 33 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Contest |
| Year | 2008–2012 | 1980–1990 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Netherlands |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.67 m (35.0 ft) | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.65 m (12.0 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 6,577 kg (14,500 lbs) | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) | 2,100 kg (4,630 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 55.3 m² (595 ft²) | 44.0 m² (474 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 22 HP | 22 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 189 L (49.9 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2008 Catalina 350 and 1980 Contest 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2008 Catalina 350 is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1980 Contest 33 is a 1980s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 2008 Catalina 350 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1980 Contest 33 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the 2008 Catalina 350 measures 10.67m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.65m, compared to the 1980 Contest 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 2008 Catalina 350 is 0.61m longer than the 1980 Contest 33. The 2008 Catalina 350 displaces approximately 26% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2008 Catalina 350 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.01 and 55.3 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 2008 Catalina 350 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2008 Catalina 350 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.7) 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 37.9% for the 2008 Catalina 350 and 40.4% for the 1980 Contest 33, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2008 Catalina 350 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 189L of water capacity and 114L 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 2008 Catalina 350 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2008 Catalina 350 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: 2008 Catalina 350 · 1980 Contest 33