2008 Contest 50CS vs 2012 Contest 55CS — Comparison
2012 Contest 55CS
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2008 Contest 50CS | 2012 Contest 55CS |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Contest |
| Year | 2008–2018 | 2012 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | Netherlands |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 15.25 m (50.0 ft) | 16.80 m (55.1 ft) |
| LWL | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) | 14.00 m (45.9 ft) |
| Beam | 4.40 m (14.4 ft) | 4.65 m (15.3 ft) |
| Draft | 2.25 m (7.4 ft) | 2.40 m (7.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 16,500 kg (36,376 lbs) | 20,000 kg (44,092 lbs) |
| Ballast | 6,200 kg (13,669 lbs) | 7,500 kg (16,535 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 108.0 m² (1,163 ft²) | 125.0 m² (1,346 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 110 HP | 150 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 450 L (118.9 gal) | 600 L (158.5 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 700 L (184.9 gal) | 900 L (237.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 8 |
| Cabins | 3 | 4 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2008 Contest 50CS and 2012 Contest 55CS represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2008 Contest 50CS is a 2000s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 2012 Contest 55CS is a modern offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 2008 Contest 50CS was penned by Dick Zaal. The 2012 Contest 55CS was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the 2008 Contest 50CS measures 15.25m (50.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.40m, compared to the 2012 Contest 55CS at 16.80m (55.1ft) with a 4.65m beam. The 2012 Contest 55CS is 1.55m longer than the 2008 Contest 50CS. The 2012 Contest 55CS displaces approximately 21% 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 2012 Contest 55CS, with an SA/D of 17.23 and 125.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2012 Contest 55CS 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 2012 Contest 55CS has a comfort ratio of 18.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.69. The ballast ratios are 37.6% for the 2008 Contest 50CS and 37.5% for the 2012 Contest 55CS, 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 2012 Contest 55CS offers 8 berths in 4 cabins with 900L water and 600L 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 2012 Contest 55CS has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
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Or view individual specs: 2008 Contest 50CS · 2012 Contest 55CS