Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 vs 1972 Contest 31 — Comparison
1972 Contest 31
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 | 1972 Contest 31 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Jeanneau | Contest |
| Year | 2010–2018 | 1972–1982 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Netherlands |
| Designer | Daniel Andrieu | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.72 m (31.9 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.92 m (29.3 ft) | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.25 m (10.7 ft) | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) |
| Draft | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,900 kg (8,598 lbs) | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs) | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 50.0 m² (538 ft²) | 39.5 m² (425 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 60 L (15.9 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 4 | 5 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 and 1972 Contest 31 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 is a modern design by Jeanneau from France, while the 1972 Contest 31 is a 1970s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 was penned by Daniel Andrieu. The 1972 Contest 31 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 measures 9.72m (31.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.25m, compared to the 1972 Contest 31 at 9.45m (31.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 is 0.27m longer than the 1972 Contest 31. The 1972 Contest 31 displaces approximately 16% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 20.51 and 50.0 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 Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 14.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.83). The 1972 Contest 31 has a comfort ratio of 23.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 38.5% for the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 and 40.0% for the 1972 Contest 31, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 80L of water capacity and 60L 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 Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1972 Contest 31 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: Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 · 1972 Contest 31