1996 Contest 48CS vs Jeanneau Yacht 53 — Comparison
Jeanneau Yacht 53
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1996 Contest 48CS | Jeanneau Yacht 53 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Jeanneau |
| Year | 1996–2005 | 2017 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | France |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Philippe Briand |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 14.63 m (48.0 ft) | 16.06 m (52.7 ft) |
| LWL | 11.89 m (39.0 ft) | 14.20 m (46.6 ft) |
| Beam | 4.24 m (13.9 ft) | 4.70 m (15.4 ft) |
| Draft | 2.20 m (7.2 ft) | 2.42 m (7.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 14,969 kg (33,001 lbs) | 15,500 kg (34,172 lbs) |
| Ballast | 5,897 kg (13,001 lbs) | 5,000 kg (11,023 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 98.0 m² (1,055 ft²) | 115.0 m² (1,238 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 100 HP | 80 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 400 L (105.7 gal) | 300 L (79.3 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 600 L (158.5 gal) | 580 L (153.2 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 10 |
| Cabins | 3 | 4 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1996 Contest 48CS and Jeanneau Yacht 53 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1996 Contest 48CS is a 1990s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the Jeanneau Yacht 53 is a modern offering from Jeanneau from France. The 1996 Contest 48CS was penned by Dick Zaal. The Jeanneau Yacht 53 was designed by Philippe Briand.
In terms of size, the 1996 Contest 48CS measures 14.63m (48.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.24m, compared to the Jeanneau Yacht 53 at 16.06m (52.7ft) with a 4.70m beam. The Jeanneau Yacht 53 is 1.43m longer than the 1996 Contest 48CS. The Jeanneau Yacht 53 displaces approximately 4% 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 Jeanneau Yacht 53, with an SA/D of 18.79 and 115.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Jeanneau Yacht 53 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 Jeanneau Yacht 53 has a comfort ratio of 13.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 39.4% for the 1996 Contest 48CS and 32.3% for the Jeanneau Yacht 53, 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 Jeanneau Yacht 53 offers 10 berths in 4 cabins with 580L 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 Jeanneau Yacht 53 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The Jeanneau Yacht 53 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 · Jeanneau Yacht 53