1996 Island Packet 40 vs 1996 Contest 48CS — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1996 Island Packet 40 | 1996 Contest 48CS |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Island Packet | Contest |
| Year | 1996–2005 | 1996–2005 |
| Type | Cutter | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Netherlands |
| Designer | Bob Johnson | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) | 14.63 m (48.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.52 m (34.5 ft) | 11.89 m (39.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.86 m (12.7 ft) | 4.24 m (13.9 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 2.20 m (7.2 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 10,433 kg (23,001 lbs) | 14,969 kg (33,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 4,082 kg (8,999 lbs) | 5,897 kg (13,001 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 68.8 m² (741 ft²) | 98.0 m² (1,055 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Full | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 55 HP | 100 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 227 L (60.0 gal) | 400 L (105.7 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 454 L (119.9 gal) | 600 L (158.5 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 8 |
| Cabins | 2 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1996 Island Packet 40 and 1996 Contest 48CS represent different approaches to sailboat design. The 1996 Island Packet 40 is a 1990s design by Island Packet from USA, while the 1996 Contest 48CS is a 1990s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 1996 Island Packet 40 was penned by Bob Johnson. The 1996 Contest 48CS was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the 1996 Island Packet 40 measures 12.19m (40.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.86m, compared to the 1996 Contest 48CS at 14.63m (48.0ft) with a 4.24m beam. The 1996 Contest 48CS is 2.44m longer than the 1996 Island Packet 40. The 1996 Contest 48CS displaces approximately 43% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1996 Island Packet 40 has modest sail power for its displacement with an SA/D ratio of 14.64 and 68.8 m² of sail area. The 1996 Contest 48CS, with an SA/D of 16.39 and 98.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1996 Contest 48CS has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1996 Island Packet 40 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.71). The 1996 Contest 48CS has a comfort ratio of 20.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.69. The ballast ratios are 39.1% for the 1996 Island Packet 40 and 39.4% for the 1996 Contest 48CS, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1996 Island Packet 40 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 454L of water capacity and 227L of fuel. The 1996 Contest 48CS offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 600L water and 400L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1996 Island Packet 40 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 1996 Contest 48CS 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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Or view individual specs: 1996 Island Packet 40 · 1996 Contest 48CS