Contrast 362 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Contrast 362's production commenced in 1985, continuing the legacy of Contrast Marine, which began its journey around 1980 in Karlstad, Sweden. Co-founded by Rolf Magnusson, the shipyard aimed to produce sailing yachts that married practical naval architecture with aesthetic appeal, emphasizing solid performance and comfortable living spaces. The 362 reflects Magnusson's philosophy of designing vessels that are both easy to handle and capable under sail, contributing to the brand's identity as a builder of "typical Scandinavian sailing yachts.", 4]

Contrast Marine employed a distinctive construction method for its yachts, including the 362. Hulls and decks featured a sandwich construction with a balsa core, while floor timbers were reinforced with plastic, resulting in robust yet relatively lightweight structures. This approach contributed to the vessel's durability and sailing integrity, a hallmark of the builder's era. The design of the Contrast 362, with its fin keel and spade rudder, was chosen for its splendid maneuverability and a slightly more speedy hull profile, aligning with Magnusson's performance-oriented vision.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Contrast 362 is designed for spirited sailing, a trait evident in its carefully considered performance ratios. With a displacement-to-length ratio (D/L) of approximately 190.7, she falls into the lighter, more performance-oriented category, suggesting an agile and responsive character. Her ballast-to-displacement ratio (Bal/D) of around 0.39 indicates a stable and reasonably stiff boat, capable of standing up to a good breeze.

Further enhancing her sailing prowess is a sail area-to-displacement ratio (SA/D) calculated at approximately 18.00. This figure suggests the Contrast 362 is well-powered, particularly in lighter air, allowing for enjoyable sailing across a range of wind conditions. Owners and reviewers frequently praise the Contrast 362 for its fine sailing characteristics, describing it as a high-quality built sailing ship that offers a balanced and engaging experience on the water. The combination of a fin keel and spade rudder also contributes to her excellent maneuverability, making her responsive at the helm.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Contrast 362 is characterized by a warm and inviting ambiance, reflecting the high-quality craftsmanship associated with Scandinavian yacht building. The joinery is typically finished with rich teak and mahogany, creating a classic nautical atmosphere. The layout is often described as remarkably practical, maximizing the use of the 36-foot length overall.

Common interior arrangements on the Contrast 362 feature two private cabins and a convertible saloon, providing versatile sleeping arrangements. The galley is typically well-equipped, often including a cooker, oven, and fridge, catering to comfortable extended cruising. A separate dining area allows for convivial meals onboard. With a water capacity of 32 gallons and a fuel capacity of 21 gallons, the Contrast 362 is well-provisioned for its size, making it suitable for both weekend getaways and longer voyages.