1996 Contest 48CS vs 2016 Elan GT5 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1996 Contest 48CS | 2016 Elan GT5 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Elan |
| Year | 1996–2005 | 2016 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | Slovenia |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Rob Humphreys / Studio F.A. Porsche |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 14.63 m (48.0 ft) | 13.85 m (45.4 ft) |
| LWL | 11.89 m (39.0 ft) | 12.20 m (40.0 ft) |
| Beam | 4.24 m (13.9 ft) | 4.28 m (14.0 ft) |
| Draft | 2.20 m (7.2 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 14,969 kg (33,001 lbs) | 10,200 kg (22,487 lbs) |
| Ballast | 5,897 kg (13,001 lbs) | 3,200 kg (7,055 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 | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 400 L (105.7 gal) | 160 L (42.3 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 600 L (158.5 gal) | 350 L (92.5 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 8 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1996 Contest 48CS and 2016 Elan GT5 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1996 Contest 48CS is a 1990s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 2016 Elan GT5 is a modern offering from Elan from Slovenia. The 1996 Contest 48CS was penned by Dick Zaal. The 2016 Elan GT5 was designed by Rob Humphreys / Studio F.A. Porsche.
In terms of size, the 1996 Contest 48CS measures 14.63m (48.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.24m, compared to the 2016 Elan GT5 at 13.85m (45.4ft) with a 4.28m beam. The 1996 Contest 48CS is 0.78m longer than the 2016 Elan GT5. The 1996 Contest 48CS displaces approximately 47% 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 2016 Elan GT5, with an SA/D of 19.87 and 92.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2016 Elan GT5 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 2016 Elan GT5 has a comfort ratio of 14.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 39.4% for the 1996 Contest 48CS and 31.4% for the 2016 Elan GT5, 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 2016 Elan GT5 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 350L water and 160L 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 2016 Elan GT5 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.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1996 Contest 48CS · 2016 Elan GT5