2010 Dehler 32 vs 1972 Contest 31 — Comparison
1972 Contest 31
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2010 Dehler 32 | 1972 Contest 31 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dehler | Contest |
| Year | 2010–2017 | 1972–1982 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | Netherlands |
| Designer | Judel/Vrolijk | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.90 m (32.5 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.95 m (29.4 ft) | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.16 m (10.4 ft) | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.95 m (6.4 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,400 kg (9,700 lbs) | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs) | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 53.0 m² (571 ft²) | 39.5 m² (425 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 55 L (14.5 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2010 Dehler 32 and 1972 Contest 31 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2010 Dehler 32 is a modern design by Dehler from Germany, while the 1972 Contest 31 is a 1970s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 2010 Dehler 32 was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The 1972 Contest 31 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the 2010 Dehler 32 measures 9.90m (32.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.16m, compared to the 1972 Contest 31 at 9.45m (31.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The 2010 Dehler 32 is 0.45m longer than the 1972 Contest 31. The 1972 Contest 31 displaces approximately 3% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2010 Dehler 32 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 20.06 and 53.0 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 2010 Dehler 32 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2010 Dehler 32 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.1) 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 34.1% for the 2010 Dehler 32 and 40.0% for the 1972 Contest 31, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2010 Dehler 32 provides 5 berths in 2 cabins with 100L of water capacity and 55L 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 2010 Dehler 32 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.
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Or view individual specs: 2010 Dehler 32 · 1972 Contest 31