1988 Contest 44CS vs 1992 Contest 42 — Comparison
1992 Contest 42
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1988 Contest 44CS | 1992 Contest 42 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Contest |
| Year | 1988–1996 | 1992–2002 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | Netherlands |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 13.41 m (44.0 ft) | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.67 m (35.0 ft) | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) | 3.86 m (12.7 ft) |
| Draft | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) | 1.95 m (6.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 12,700 kg (27,999 lbs) | 10,400 kg (22,928 lbs) |
| Ballast | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) | 4,200 kg (9,259 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 85.0 m² (915 ft²) | 76.0 m² (818 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 75 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 300 L (79.3 gal) | 250 L (66.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 500 L (132.1 gal) | 400 L (105.7 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1988 Contest 44CS and 1992 Contest 42 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1988 Contest 44CS is a 1980s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 1992 Contest 42 is a 1990s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 1988 Contest 44CS was penned by Dick Zaal. The 1992 Contest 42 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the 1988 Contest 44CS measures 13.41m (44.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the 1992 Contest 42 at 12.80m (42.0ft) with a 3.86m beam. The 1988 Contest 44CS is 0.61m longer than the 1992 Contest 42. The 1988 Contest 44CS displaces approximately 22% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1988 Contest 44CS has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.86 and 85.0 m² of sail area. The 1992 Contest 42, with an SA/D of 16.20 and 76.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1992 Contest 42 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1988 Contest 44CS offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 23.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.68). The 1992 Contest 42 has a comfort ratio of 21.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 40.9% for the 1988 Contest 44CS and 40.4% for the 1992 Contest 42, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1988 Contest 44CS provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 500L of water capacity and 300L of fuel. The 1992 Contest 42 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 400L water and 250L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1988 Contest 44CS 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 1992 Contest 42 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: 1988 Contest 44CS · 1992 Contest 42