1988 Contest 44CS vs Dufour 45E — Comparison
Dufour 45E
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1988 Contest 44CS | Dufour 45E |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Dufour |
| Year | 1988–1996 | 2008–2011 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | France |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Umberto Felci |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 13.41 m (44.0 ft) | 13.80 m (45.3 ft) |
| LWL | 10.67 m (35.0 ft) | 11.90 m (39.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) | 4.20 m (13.8 ft) |
| Draft | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 12,700 kg (27,999 lbs) | 10,500 kg (23,149 lbs) |
| Ballast | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) | 3,200 kg (7,055 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 85.0 m² (915 ft²) | 88.0 m² (947 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 75 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 300 L (79.3 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 500 L (132.1 gal) | 380 L (100.4 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 8 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1988 Contest 44CS and Dufour 45E represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1988 Contest 44CS is a 1980s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the Dufour 45E is a 2000s offering from Dufour from France. The 1988 Contest 44CS was penned by Dick Zaal. The Dufour 45E was designed by Umberto Felci.
In terms of size, the 1988 Contest 44CS measures 13.41m (44.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the Dufour 45E at 13.80m (45.3ft) with a 4.20m beam. The Dufour 45E is 0.39m longer than the 1988 Contest 44CS. The 1988 Contest 44CS displaces approximately 21% 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 Dufour 45E, with an SA/D of 18.64 and 88.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Dufour 45E 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 Dufour 45E has a comfort ratio of 15.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 40.9% for the 1988 Contest 44CS and 30.5% for the Dufour 45E, 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 Dufour 45E offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 380L water and 200L 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 Dufour 45E has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The Dufour 45E 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: 1988 Contest 44CS · Dufour 45E