1996 Contest 48CS vs Beneteau First 47.7 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1996 Contest 48CS | Beneteau First 47.7 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Beneteau |
| Year | 1996–2005 | 2003–2008 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | France |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Farr Yacht Design |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 14.63 m (48.0 ft) | 14.69 m (48.2 ft) |
| LWL | 11.89 m (39.0 ft) | 12.90 m (42.3 ft) |
| Beam | 4.24 m (13.9 ft) | 4.30 m (14.1 ft) |
| Draft | 2.20 m (7.2 ft) | 2.50 m (8.2 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 14,969 kg (33,001 lbs) | 11,500 kg (25,353 lbs) |
| Ballast | 5,897 kg (13,001 lbs) | 4,200 kg (9,259 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 98.0 m² (1,055 ft²) | 105.0 m² (1,130 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 100 HP | 75 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 400 L (105.7 gal) | 250 L (66.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 600 L (158.5 gal) | 450 L (118.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 10 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1996 Contest 48CS and Beneteau First 47.7 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1996 Contest 48CS is a 1990s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the Beneteau First 47.7 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1996 Contest 48CS was penned by Dick Zaal. The Beneteau First 47.7 was designed by Farr Yacht Design.
In terms of size, the 1996 Contest 48CS measures 14.63m (48.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.24m, compared to the Beneteau First 47.7 at 14.69m (48.2ft) with a 4.30m beam. The Beneteau First 47.7 is 0.06m longer than the 1996 Contest 48CS. The 1996 Contest 48CS displaces approximately 30% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1996 Contest 48CS has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.39 and 98.0 m² of sail area. The Beneteau First 47.7, with an SA/D of 20.93 and 105.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The Beneteau First 47.7 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1996 Contest 48CS offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.69). The Beneteau First 47.7 has a comfort ratio of 14.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 39.4% for the 1996 Contest 48CS and 36.5% for the Beneteau First 47.7, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1996 Contest 48CS provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 600L of water capacity and 400L of fuel. The Beneteau First 47.7 offers 10 berths in 3 cabins with 450L water and 250L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1996 Contest 48CS 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 Beneteau First 47.7 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The Beneteau First 47.7 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: 1996 Contest 48CS · Beneteau First 47.7