1996 Contest 48CS vs 2005 Wauquiez Centurion 47 — Comparison

1996 Contest 48CS
VS
2005 Wauquiez Centurion 47

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1996 Contest 48CS2005 Wauquiez Centurion 47
General
ManufacturerContestWauquiez
Year1996–20052005–2012
TypeSloopSloop
CountryNetherlandsFrance
DesignerDick ZaalJean Berret
Dimensions
LOA14.63 m (48.0 ft)14.33 m (47.0 ft)
LWL11.89 m (39.0 ft)11.89 m (39.0 ft)
Beam4.24 m (13.9 ft)4.15 m (13.6 ft)
Draft2.20 m (7.2 ft)2.15 m (7.1 ft)
Weight
Displacement14,969 kg (33,001 lbs)13,000 kg (28,660 lbs)
Ballast5,897 kg (13,001 lbs)5,000 kg (11,023 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area98.0 m² (1,055 ft²)95.0 m² (1,023 ft²)
Hull MaterialSteelFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine100 HP100 HP
Fuel Capacity400 L (105.7 gal)300 L (79.3 gal)
Water Capacity600 L (158.5 gal)550 L (145.3 gal)
Accommodation
Berths87
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1996 Contest 48CS
16.39
2005 Wauquiez Centurion 47
17.45
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1996 Contest 48CS
39.39
2005 Wauquiez Centurion 47
38.46
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1996 Contest 48CS
0.69
2005 Wauquiez Centurion 47
0.71
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1996 Contest 48CS
20.78
2005 Wauquiez Centurion 47
18.83

Detailed Comparison

The 1996 Contest 48CS and 2005 Wauquiez Centurion 47 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1996 Contest 48CS is a 1990s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 2005 Wauquiez Centurion 47 is a 2000s offering from Wauquiez from France. The 1996 Contest 48CS was penned by Dick Zaal. The 2005 Wauquiez Centurion 47 was designed by Jean Berret.

In terms of size, the 1996 Contest 48CS measures 14.63m (48.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.24m, compared to the 2005 Wauquiez Centurion 47 at 14.33m (47.0ft) with a 4.15m beam. The 1996 Contest 48CS is 0.30m longer than the 2005 Wauquiez Centurion 47. The 1996 Contest 48CS displaces approximately 15% 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 2005 Wauquiez Centurion 47, with an SA/D of 17.45 and 95.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2005 Wauquiez Centurion 47 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 2005 Wauquiez Centurion 47 has a comfort ratio of 18.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 39.4% for the 1996 Contest 48CS and 38.5% for the 2005 Wauquiez Centurion 47, 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 2005 Wauquiez Centurion 47 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 550L water and 300L 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 2005 Wauquiez Centurion 47 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1996 Contest 48CS 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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