Contessa 32 vs HR 36
British classic cruiser versus Swedish centre-cockpit pedigree: Contessa 32's offshore reputation against Hallberg-Rassy HR 36's Baltic resale pool. Side-by-side specs from published model data.
Contessa 32 vs Hallberg-Rassy 36 — classic offshore legends survey. Buyer advisory
Comparison table
| Category | Contessa 32 | HR 36 |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 9.75 m | 10.87 m |
| Beam | 2.9 m | 3.55 m |
| L/B | 3.36 | 3.06 |
| LWL | unknown | 9.35 m |
| Draft | unknown | 1.7 m |
| Displacement | unknown | 7,500 kg (light) |
| Ballast | unknown | 3,400 kg |
| Wetted surface | unknown | 31.3 m², calculated |
| Hulls built | unknown | 602 |
| Designer | unknown | Germán Frers |
| Production years | 1971-1985 | 1989-2003 |
| Overview | On the live Contessa 32 card the Best for block still talks about a British offshore cult with **S&S** hull heritage. Contessa 32 was drawn by **David Sadler** with the **Jeremy Rogers** yard in Lymington, not Sparkman & Stephens. | Oiled teak, the familiar Hallberg-Rassy HR 36 name, a newer plotter - and you already want to believe the boat is ready for July. |
| Typical issues | On survey, apart from the false S&S, check moisture at the chainplates and in the deck at the posts, keel bolts and grounding history, standing-rigging age by invoices and the engine line. The live FAQ still asks about **saildrive** service - for a classic Contessa 32 with a shaft and typical Bukh / Volvo / Yanmar that is the wrong drive in one line. | Q: Is the HR 36 name in the ad headline enough? A: No. Look at how the stern is built in the photos and whether a hull number is listed; do not trust a length figure alone. Length in the headline is marketing shorthand, not a series proof. Q: Does osmosis risk remain? A: Osmosis is moisture that lifts blisters under the outer plastic skin. |