2005 Contest 46CS vs 1987 C&C 44 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2005 Contest 46CS | 1987 C&C 44 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | C&C Yachts |
| Year | 2005–2015 | 1987–1993 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | Canada |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Cuthbertson & Cassian |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 14.10 m (46.3 ft) | 13.41 m (44.0 ft) |
| LWL | 11.60 m (38.1 ft) | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) |
| Beam | 4.15 m (13.6 ft) | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) |
| Draft | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 13,500 kg (29,762 lbs) | 10,433 kg (23,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) | 4,309 kg (9,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 93.0 m² (1,001 ft²) | 80.0 m² (861 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 75 HP | 45 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 350 L (92.5 gal) | 170 L (44.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 550 L (145.3 gal) | 300 L (79.3 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2005 Contest 46CS and 1987 C&C 44 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2005 Contest 46CS is a 2000s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 1987 C&C 44 is a 1980s offering from C&C Yachts from Canada. The 2005 Contest 46CS was penned by Dick Zaal. The 1987 C&C 44 was designed by Cuthbertson & Cassian.
In terms of size, the 2005 Contest 46CS measures 14.10m (46.3ft) overall with a beam of 4.15m, compared to the 1987 C&C 44 at 13.41m (44.0ft) with a 3.96m beam. The 2005 Contest 46CS is 0.69m longer than the 1987 C&C 44. The 2005 Contest 46CS displaces approximately 29% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2005 Contest 46CS has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.66 and 93.0 m² of sail area. The 1987 C&C 44, with an SA/D of 17.02 and 80.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1987 C&C 44 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2005 Contest 46CS offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.70). The 1987 C&C 44 has a comfort ratio of 18.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 38.5% for the 2005 Contest 46CS and 41.3% for the 1987 C&C 44, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2005 Contest 46CS provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 550L of water capacity and 350L of fuel. The 1987 C&C 44 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 300L water and 170L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2005 Contest 46CS 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 1987 C&C 44 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: 2005 Contest 46CS · 1987 C&C 44