2004 Hunter 466 vs 1992 Contest 42 — Comparison

2004 Hunter 4662004 Hunter 466
VS
1992 Contest 421992 Contest 42

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2004 Hunter 4661992 Contest 42
General
ManufacturerHunterContest
Year2004–20081992–2002
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSANetherlands
DesignerGlenn HendersonDick Zaal
Dimensions
LOA14.17 m (46.5 ft)12.80 m (42.0 ft)
LWL12.50 m (41.0 ft)10.36 m (34.0 ft)
Beam4.37 m (14.3 ft)3.86 m (12.7 ft)
Draft1.83 m (6.0 ft)1.95 m (6.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement12,247 kg (27,000 lbs)10,400 kg (22,928 lbs)
Ballast4,082 kg (8,999 lbs)4,200 kg (9,259 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area90.5 m² (974 ft²)76.0 m² (818 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassSteel
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity189 L (49.9 gal)250 L (66.0 gal)
Water Capacity379 L (100.1 gal)400 L (105.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths87
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2004 Hunter 466
17.30
1992 Contest 42
16.20
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2004 Hunter 466
33.33
1992 Contest 42
40.38
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2004 Hunter 466
0.76
1992 Contest 42
0.71
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2004 Hunter 466
15.61
1992 Contest 42
21.49

Detailed Comparison

The 2004 Hunter 466 and 1992 Contest 42 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2004 Hunter 466 is a 2000s design by Hunter from USA, while the 1992 Contest 42 is a 1990s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 2004 Hunter 466 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The 1992 Contest 42 was designed by Dick Zaal.

In terms of size, the 2004 Hunter 466 measures 14.17m (46.5ft) overall with a beam of 4.37m, compared to the 1992 Contest 42 at 12.80m (42.0ft) with a 3.86m beam. The 2004 Hunter 466 is 1.37m longer than the 1992 Contest 42. The 2004 Hunter 466 displaces approximately 18% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2004 Hunter 466 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.30 and 90.5 m² of sail area. The 1992 Contest 42, with an SA/D of 16.20 and 76.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2004 Hunter 466 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2004 Hunter 466 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 15.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The 1992 Contest 42 has a comfort ratio of 21.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 33.3% for the 2004 Hunter 466 and 40.4% for the 1992 Contest 42, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2004 Hunter 466 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 379L of water capacity and 189L of fuel. The 1992 Contest 42 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 400L water and 250L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1992 Contest 42 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 2004 Hunter 466 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2004 Hunter 466 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: 2004 Hunter 466 · 1992 Contest 42