Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 vs 1972 Contest 31 — Comparison
Beneteau Oceanis 38.1
1972 Contest 31
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 | 1972 Contest 31 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Contest |
| Year | 2017 | 1972–1982 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Netherlands |
| Designer | Marc Lombard | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.50 m (37.7 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.47 m (34.4 ft) | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) |
| Draft | 2.08 m (6.8 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,150 kg (15,763 lbs) | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,200 kg (4,850 lbs) | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 62.5 m² (673 ft²) | 39.5 m² (425 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 29 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 140 L (37.0 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 250 L (66.0 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 and 1972 Contest 31 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 is a modern design by Beneteau from France, while the 1972 Contest 31 is a 1970s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 was penned by Marc Lombard. The 1972 Contest 31 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 measures 11.50m (37.7ft) overall with a beam of 3.72m, compared to the 1972 Contest 31 at 9.45m (31.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 is 2.05m longer than the 1972 Contest 31. The Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 displaces approximately 58% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.11 and 62.5 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 Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1972 Contest 31 has a comfort ratio of 23.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 30.8% for the Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 and 40.0% for the 1972 Contest 31, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 250L of water capacity and 140L 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 Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 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: Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 · 1972 Contest 31