2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 vs 1985 Contest 36 — Comparison
2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
1985 Contest 36
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 | 1985 Contest 36 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | X-Yachts | Contest |
| Year | 2015–2020 | 1985–1995 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Denmark | Netherlands |
| Designer | Niels Jeppesen | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.15 m (33.3 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.64 m (11.9 ft) | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 2.05 m (6.7 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,800 kg (17,196 lbs) | 6,500 kg (14,330 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,800 kg (6,173 lbs) | 2,700 kg (5,952 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 66.0 m² (710 ft²) | 54.0 m² (581 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 30 HP | 28 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 250 L (66.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 and 1985 Contest 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 is a modern design by X-Yachts from Denmark, while the 1985 Contest 36 is a 1980s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 was penned by Niels Jeppesen. The 1985 Contest 36 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 1985 Contest 36 at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 is 0.61m longer than the 1985 Contest 36. The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 displaces approximately 20% 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 1985 Contest 36, with an SA/D of 15.75 and 54.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. 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 1985 Contest 36 has a comfort ratio of 21.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 35.9% for the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 and 41.5% for the 1985 Contest 36, 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 1985 Contest 36 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 250L water and 150L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1985 Contest 36 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.