1996 Contest 48CS vs Bavaria Cruiser 46 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1996 Contest 48CS | Bavaria Cruiser 46 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Bavaria |
| Year | 1996–2005 | 2015–2020 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | Germany |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Farr Yacht Design |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 14.63 m (48.0 ft) | 14.27 m (46.8 ft) |
| LWL | 11.89 m (39.0 ft) | 12.60 m (41.3 ft) |
| Beam | 4.24 m (13.9 ft) | 4.35 m (14.3 ft) |
| Draft | 2.20 m (7.2 ft) | 2.15 m (7.1 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 14,969 kg (33,001 lbs) | 11,500 kg (25,353 lbs) |
| Ballast | 5,897 kg (13,001 lbs) | 3,600 kg (7,937 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 98.0 m² (1,055 ft²) | 92.0 m² (990 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 100 HP | 57 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 | 4 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1996 Contest 48CS and Bavaria Cruiser 46 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1996 Contest 48CS is a 1990s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the Bavaria Cruiser 46 is a modern offering from Bavaria from Germany. The 1996 Contest 48CS was penned by Dick Zaal. The Bavaria Cruiser 46 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 Bavaria Cruiser 46 at 14.27m (46.8ft) with a 4.35m beam. The 1996 Contest 48CS is 0.36m longer than the Bavaria Cruiser 46. 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 Bavaria Cruiser 46, with an SA/D of 18.34 and 92.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Bavaria Cruiser 46 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 Bavaria Cruiser 46 has a comfort ratio of 14.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 39.4% for the 1996 Contest 48CS and 31.3% for the Bavaria Cruiser 46, 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 Bavaria Cruiser 46 offers 10 berths in 4 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 Bavaria Cruiser 46 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The Bavaria Cruiser 46 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1996 Contest 48CS · Bavaria Cruiser 46