1999 Hallberg-Rassy 55 vs 2012 Contest 55CS — Comparison
1999 Hallberg-Rassy 55
2012 Contest 55CS
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1999 Hallberg-Rassy 55 | 2012 Contest 55CS |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hallberg-Rassy | Contest |
| Year | 1999–2005 | 2012 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Sweden | Netherlands |
| Designer | German Frers | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 16.80 m (55.1 ft) | 16.80 m (55.1 ft) |
| LWL | 14.00 m (45.9 ft) | 14.00 m (45.9 ft) |
| Beam | 4.65 m (15.3 ft) | 4.65 m (15.3 ft) |
| Draft | 2.35 m (7.7 ft) | 2.40 m (7.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 20,000 kg (44,092 lbs) | 20,000 kg (44,092 lbs) |
| Ballast | 7,500 kg (16,535 lbs) | 7,500 kg (16,535 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 125.0 m² (1,346 ft²) | 125.0 m² (1,346 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 150 HP | 150 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 600 L (158.5 gal) | 600 L (158.5 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 900 L (237.8 gal) | 900 L (237.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 8 |
| Cabins | 4 | 4 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1999 Hallberg-Rassy 55 and 2012 Contest 55CS represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1999 Hallberg-Rassy 55 is a 1990s design by Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden, while the 2012 Contest 55CS is a modern offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 1999 Hallberg-Rassy 55 was penned by German Frers. The 2012 Contest 55CS was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the 1999 Hallberg-Rassy 55 measures 16.80m (55.1ft) overall with a beam of 4.65m, compared to the 2012 Contest 55CS at 16.80m (55.1ft) with a 4.65m beam.
Looking at performance, the 1999 Hallberg-Rassy 55 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.23 and 125.0 m² of sail area. The 2012 Contest 55CS, with an SA/D of 17.23 and 125.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1999 Hallberg-Rassy 55 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.69). The 2012 Contest 55CS has a comfort ratio of 18.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.69. The ballast ratios are 37.5% for the 1999 Hallberg-Rassy 55 and 37.5% for the 2012 Contest 55CS, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1999 Hallberg-Rassy 55 provides 8 berths in 4 cabins with 900L of water capacity and 600L of fuel. The 2012 Contest 55CS offers 8 berths in 4 cabins with 900L water and 600L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1999 Hallberg-Rassy 55 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 1999 Hallberg-Rassy 55 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.
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Or view individual specs: 1999 Hallberg-Rassy 55 · 2012 Contest 55CS