2005 Contest 46CS vs 2014 Beneteau Oceanis 48 — Comparison

2005 Contest 46CS
VS
2014 Beneteau Oceanis 48

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2005 Contest 46CS2014 Beneteau Oceanis 48
General
ManufacturerContestBeneteau
Year2005–20152014–2018
TypeSloopSloop
CountryNetherlandsFrance
DesignerDick ZaalNauta Design / Finot-Conq
Dimensions
LOA14.10 m (46.3 ft)14.60 m (47.9 ft)
LWL11.60 m (38.1 ft)13.10 m (43.0 ft)
Beam4.15 m (13.6 ft)4.56 m (15.0 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement13,500 kg (29,762 lbs)11,500 kg (25,353 lbs)
Ballast5,200 kg (11,464 lbs)3,500 kg (7,716 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area93.0 m² (1,001 ft²)98.0 m² (1,055 ft²)
Hull MaterialSteelFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine75 HP57 HP
Fuel Capacity350 L (92.5 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Water Capacity550 L (145.3 gal)400 L (105.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths710
Cabins34

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2005 Contest 46CS
16.66
2014 Beneteau Oceanis 48
19.54
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2005 Contest 46CS
38.52
2014 Beneteau Oceanis 48
30.43
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2005 Contest 46CS
0.70
2014 Beneteau Oceanis 48
0.81
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2005 Contest 46CS
20.43
2014 Beneteau Oceanis 48
12.75

Detailed Comparison

The 2005 Contest 46CS and 2014 Beneteau Oceanis 48 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2005 Contest 46CS is a 2000s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 2014 Beneteau Oceanis 48 is a modern offering from Beneteau from France. The 2005 Contest 46CS was penned by Dick Zaal. The 2014 Beneteau Oceanis 48 was designed by Nauta Design / Finot-Conq.

In terms of size, the 2005 Contest 46CS measures 14.10m (46.3ft) overall with a beam of 4.15m, compared to the 2014 Beneteau Oceanis 48 at 14.60m (47.9ft) with a 4.56m beam. The 2014 Beneteau Oceanis 48 is 0.50m longer than the 2005 Contest 46CS. The 2005 Contest 46CS displaces approximately 17% 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 2014 Beneteau Oceanis 48, with an SA/D of 19.54 and 98.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2014 Beneteau Oceanis 48 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 2014 Beneteau Oceanis 48 has a comfort ratio of 12.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.81. The ballast ratios are 38.5% for the 2005 Contest 46CS and 30.4% for the 2014 Beneteau Oceanis 48, 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 2014 Beneteau Oceanis 48 offers 10 berths in 4 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 2014 Beneteau Oceanis 48 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2014 Beneteau Oceanis 48 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 · 2014 Beneteau Oceanis 48