2008 Contest 50CS vs 2005 Najad 460 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2008 Contest 50CS | 2005 Najad 460 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Najad |
| Year | 2008–2018 | 2005–2013 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | Sweden |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Judel/Vrolijk |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 15.25 m (50.0 ft) | 14.10 m (46.3 ft) |
| LWL | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) | 11.80 m (38.7 ft) |
| Beam | 4.40 m (14.4 ft) | 4.20 m (13.8 ft) |
| Draft | 2.25 m (7.4 ft) | 2.15 m (7.1 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 16,500 kg (36,376 lbs) | 13,500 kg (29,762 lbs) |
| Ballast | 6,200 kg (13,669 lbs) | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 108.0 m² (1,163 ft²) | 97.0 m² (1,044 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 110 HP | 100 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 450 L (118.9 gal) | 320 L (84.5 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 700 L (184.9 gal) | 560 L (147.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2008 Contest 50CS and 2005 Najad 460 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2008 Contest 50CS is a 2000s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 2005 Najad 460 is a 2000s offering from Najad from Sweden. The 2008 Contest 50CS was penned by Dick Zaal. The 2005 Najad 460 was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.
In terms of size, the 2008 Contest 50CS measures 15.25m (50.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.40m, compared to the 2005 Najad 460 at 14.10m (46.3ft) with a 4.20m beam. The 2008 Contest 50CS is 1.15m longer than the 2005 Najad 460. The 2008 Contest 50CS displaces approximately 22% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2008 Contest 50CS has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.92 and 108.0 m² of sail area. The 2005 Najad 460, with an SA/D of 17.38 and 97.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2005 Najad 460 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2008 Contest 50CS offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.69). The 2005 Najad 460 has a comfort ratio of 19.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 37.6% for the 2008 Contest 50CS and 38.5% for the 2005 Najad 460, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2008 Contest 50CS provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 700L of water capacity and 450L of fuel. The 2005 Najad 460 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 560L water and 320L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2005 Najad 460 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 2005 Najad 460 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: 2008 Contest 50CS · 2005 Najad 460