2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 vs 1980 Contest 33 — Comparison
1980 Contest 33
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 | 1980 Contest 33 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | X-Yachts | Contest |
| Year | 2015–2020 | 1980–1990 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Denmark | Netherlands |
| Designer | Niels Jeppesen | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.15 m (33.3 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.64 m (11.9 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 2.05 m (6.7 ft) | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,800 kg (17,196 lbs) | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,800 kg (6,173 lbs) | 2,100 kg (4,630 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 66.0 m² (710 ft²) | 44.0 m² (474 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 30 HP | 22 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 and 1980 Contest 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 is a modern design by X-Yachts from Denmark, while the 1980 Contest 33 is a 1980s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 was penned by Niels Jeppesen. The 1980 Contest 33 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.64m, compared to the 1980 Contest 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 is 1.52m longer than the 1980 Contest 33. The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 displaces approximately 50% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.05 and 66.0 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 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The 1980 Contest 33 has a comfort ratio of 22.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 35.9% for the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 and 40.4% for the 1980 Contest 33, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 100L 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 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
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Or view individual specs: 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 · 1980 Contest 33