Contest 32 CS vs Dione 98
How do the Contest 32 CS and Dione 98 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
| Contest 32 CS | Dione 98 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 31.8 ft9.70 m | 32.0 ft9.75 m |
| Waterline length | 25.7 ft7.82 m | 23.8 ft7.26 m |
| Beam | 10.9 ft3.32 m | 10.3 ft3.13 m |
| Draft | 5.3 ft1.60 m | 5.6 ft1.70 m |
| Displacement | 14,300 lb6,486 kg | 6,834 lb3,100 kg |
| Ballast | 6,380 lb2,894 kg | —— |
| Sail area | 289 ft²26.8 m² | 394 ft²36.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 7.85 | 17.51 |
| Displacement / Length | 378 | 226 |
| Comfort ratio | 33.4 | 18.1 |
| Capsize screening | 1.79 | 2.16 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.8 | 6.5 |
Contest 32 CS vs Dione 98: the short version
- The Contest 32 CS and Dione 98 are close in length (31.8 ft9.70 m vs 32.0 ft9.75 m ).
- The Contest 32 CS is heavier, displacing about 109% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Dione 98 carries the more powerful rig (17.5 vs 7.8), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Contest 32 CS scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Contest 32 CS rates better for offshore work (1.79 vs 2.16).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.