1990 X-Yachts 452 vs 1992 Contest 42 — Comparison
1992 Contest 42
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1990 X-Yachts 452 | 1992 Contest 42 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | X-Yachts | Contest |
| Year | 1990–1998 | 1992–2002 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Denmark | Netherlands |
| Designer | Niels Jeppesen | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 13.72 m (45.0 ft) | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) |
| LWL | 11.28 m (37.0 ft) | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) | 3.86 m (12.7 ft) |
| Draft | 2.30 m (7.5 ft) | 1.95 m (6.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 11,340 kg (25,000 lbs) | 10,400 kg (22,928 lbs) |
| Ballast | 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs) | 4,200 kg (9,259 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 88.5 m² (953 ft²) | 76.0 m² (818 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 55 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 250 L (66.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 350 L (92.5 gal) | 400 L (105.7 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1990 X-Yachts 452 and 1992 Contest 42 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1990 X-Yachts 452 is a 1990s design by X-Yachts from Denmark, while the 1992 Contest 42 is a 1990s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 1990 X-Yachts 452 was penned by Niels Jeppesen. The 1992 Contest 42 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the 1990 X-Yachts 452 measures 13.72m (45.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the 1992 Contest 42 at 12.80m (42.0ft) with a 3.86m beam. The 1990 X-Yachts 452 is 0.92m longer than the 1992 Contest 42. The 1990 X-Yachts 452 displaces approximately 9% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1990 X-Yachts 452 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.81 and 88.5 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 1990 X-Yachts 452 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1990 X-Yachts 452 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.71). The 1992 Contest 42 has a comfort ratio of 21.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 42.0% for the 1990 X-Yachts 452 and 40.4% for the 1992 Contest 42, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1990 X-Yachts 452 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 350L of water capacity and 200L of fuel. The 1992 Contest 42 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 400L water and 250L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1992 Contest 42 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 1990 X-Yachts 452 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: 1990 X-Yachts 452 · 1992 Contest 42