2006 Najad 505 vs 2008 Contest 50CS — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2006 Najad 505 | 2008 Contest 50CS |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Najad | Contest |
| Year | 2006–2012 | 2008–2018 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Sweden | Netherlands |
| Designer | Judel/Vrolijk | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 15.55 m (51.0 ft) | 15.25 m (50.0 ft) |
| LWL | 13.00 m (42.7 ft) | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) |
| Beam | 4.50 m (14.8 ft) | 4.40 m (14.4 ft) |
| Draft | 2.30 m (7.5 ft) | 2.25 m (7.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 15,500 kg (34,172 lbs) | 16,500 kg (36,376 lbs) |
| Ballast | 5,800 kg (12,787 lbs) | 6,200 kg (13,669 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 108.0 m² (1,163 ft²) | 108.0 m² (1,163 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 100 HP | 110 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 350 L (92.5 gal) | 450 L (118.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 600 L (158.5 gal) | 700 L (184.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 8 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2006 Najad 505 and 2008 Contest 50CS represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2006 Najad 505 is a 2000s design by Najad from Sweden, while the 2008 Contest 50CS is a 2000s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 2006 Najad 505 was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The 2008 Contest 50CS was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the 2006 Najad 505 measures 15.55m (51.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.50m, compared to the 2008 Contest 50CS at 15.25m (50.0ft) with a 4.40m beam. The 2006 Najad 505 is 0.30m longer than the 2008 Contest 50CS. The 2008 Contest 50CS displaces approximately 6% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2006 Najad 505 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.65 and 108.0 m² of sail area. The 2008 Contest 50CS, with an SA/D of 16.92 and 108.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2006 Najad 505 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2006 Najad 505 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.72). The 2008 Contest 50CS has a comfort ratio of 19.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.69. The ballast ratios are 37.4% for the 2006 Najad 505 and 37.6% for the 2008 Contest 50CS, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2006 Najad 505 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 600L of water capacity and 350L of fuel. The 2008 Contest 50CS offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 700L water and 450L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2008 Contest 50CS 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 2006 Najad 505 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2008 Contest 50CS 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: 2006 Najad 505 · 2008 Contest 50CS