2008 Bavaria 47 Cruiser vs 1992 Contest 42 — Comparison
1992 Contest 42
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2008 Bavaria 47 Cruiser | 1992 Contest 42 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Bavaria | Contest |
| Year | 2008–2013 | 1992–2002 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | Netherlands |
| Designer | Farr Yacht Design | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 14.27 m (46.8 ft) | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) |
| LWL | 12.70 m (41.7 ft) | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) |
| Beam | 4.35 m (14.3 ft) | 3.86 m (12.7 ft) |
| Draft | 2.05 m (6.7 ft) | 1.95 m (6.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 11,500 kg (25,353 lbs) | 10,400 kg (22,928 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs) | 4,200 kg (9,259 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 92.0 m² (990 ft²) | 76.0 m² (818 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 55 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 180 L (47.6 gal) | 250 L (66.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 340 L (89.8 gal) | 400 L (105.7 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 10 | 7 |
| Cabins | 4 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2008 Bavaria 47 Cruiser and 1992 Contest 42 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2008 Bavaria 47 Cruiser is a 2000s design by Bavaria from Germany, while the 1992 Contest 42 is a 1990s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 2008 Bavaria 47 Cruiser was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The 1992 Contest 42 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the 2008 Bavaria 47 Cruiser measures 14.27m (46.8ft) overall with a beam of 4.35m, compared to the 1992 Contest 42 at 12.80m (42.0ft) with a 3.86m beam. The 2008 Bavaria 47 Cruiser is 1.47m longer than the 1992 Contest 42. The 2008 Bavaria 47 Cruiser displaces approximately 11% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2008 Bavaria 47 Cruiser has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.34 and 92.0 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 2008 Bavaria 47 Cruiser has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2008 Bavaria 47 Cruiser offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 14.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1992 Contest 42 has a comfort ratio of 21.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 30.4% for the 2008 Bavaria 47 Cruiser and 40.4% for the 1992 Contest 42, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2008 Bavaria 47 Cruiser provides 10 berths in 4 cabins with 340L of water capacity and 180L 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 2008 Bavaria 47 Cruiser 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 Bavaria 47 Cruiser offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 2008 Bavaria 47 Cruiser · 1992 Contest 42