Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 vs 1980 Contest 33 — Comparison
1980 Contest 33
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 | 1980 Contest 33 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Contest |
| Year | 2016 | 1980–1990 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Netherlands |
| Designer | Marc Lombard | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.34 m (33.9 ft) | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.35 m (30.7 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.39 m (11.1 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,600 kg (3,527 lbs) | 2,100 kg (4,630 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 52.0 m² (560 ft²) | 44.0 m² (474 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 21 HP | 22 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 and 1980 Contest 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 is a modern design by Beneteau from France, while the 1980 Contest 33 is a 1980s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 was penned by Marc Lombard. The 1980 Contest 33 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 measures 10.34m (33.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.39m, compared to the 1980 Contest 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 is 0.28m longer than the 1980 Contest 33.
Looking at performance, the Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.60 and 52.0 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 Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1980 Contest 33 has a comfort ratio of 22.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 30.8% for the Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 and 40.4% for the 1980 Contest 33, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 120L 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 Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 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: Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 · 1980 Contest 33