2005 Contest 46CS vs 1998 Feeling 44 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2005 Contest 46CS | 1998 Feeling 44 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Feeling |
| Year | 2005–2015 | 1998–2005 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | France |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Philippe Harlé / Mortain & Mavrikios |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 14.10 m (46.3 ft) | 13.41 m (44.0 ft) |
| LWL | 11.60 m (38.1 ft) | 11.50 m (37.7 ft) |
| Beam | 4.15 m (13.6 ft) | 4.10 m (13.5 ft) |
| Draft | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) | 1.90 m (6.2 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 13,500 kg (29,762 lbs) | 10,500 kg (23,149 lbs) |
| Ballast | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) | 4,000 kg (8,818 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 93.0 m² (1,001 ft²) | 82.0 m² (883 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 75 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 350 L (92.5 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 550 L (145.3 gal) | 400 L (105.7 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 8 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2005 Contest 46CS and 1998 Feeling 44 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2005 Contest 46CS is a 2000s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 1998 Feeling 44 is a 1990s offering from Feeling from France. The 2005 Contest 46CS was penned by Dick Zaal. The 1998 Feeling 44 was designed by Philippe Harlé / Mortain & Mavrikios.
In terms of size, the 2005 Contest 46CS measures 14.10m (46.3ft) overall with a beam of 4.15m, compared to the 1998 Feeling 44 at 13.41m (44.0ft) with a 4.10m beam. The 2005 Contest 46CS is 0.69m longer than the 1998 Feeling 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 1998 Feeling 44, with an SA/D of 17.37 and 82.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1998 Feeling 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 1998 Feeling 44 has a comfort ratio of 16.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 38.5% for the 2005 Contest 46CS and 38.1% for the 1998 Feeling 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 1998 Feeling 44 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 400L water and 200L 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 1998 Feeling 44 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1998 Feeling 44 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: 2005 Contest 46CS · 1998 Feeling 44