2010 Dehler 32 vs 1980 Contest 33 — Comparison
2010 Dehler 32
1980 Contest 33
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2010 Dehler 32 | 1980 Contest 33 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dehler | Contest |
| Year | 2010–2017 | 1980–1990 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | Netherlands |
| Designer | Judel/Vrolijk | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.90 m (32.5 ft) | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.95 m (29.4 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.16 m (10.4 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.95 m (6.4 ft) | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,400 kg (9,700 lbs) | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs) | 2,100 kg (4,630 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 53.0 m² (571 ft²) | 44.0 m² (474 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 22 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 55 L (14.5 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2010 Dehler 32 and 1980 Contest 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2010 Dehler 32 is a modern design by Dehler from Germany, while the 1980 Contest 33 is a 1980s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 2010 Dehler 32 was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The 1980 Contest 33 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 1980 Contest 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 1980 Contest 33 is 0.16m longer than the 2010 Dehler 32. The 1980 Contest 33 displaces approximately 18% 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 1980 Contest 33, with an SA/D of 14.90 and 44.0 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 1980 Contest 33 has a comfort ratio of 22.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 34.1% for the 2010 Dehler 32 and 40.4% for the 1980 Contest 33, 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 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 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: The 1980 Contest 33 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.