2008 Contest 50CS vs 2014 Amel 55 — Comparison
2014 Amel 55
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2008 Contest 50CS | 2014 Amel 55 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Amel |
| Year | 2008–2018 | 2014–2021 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | France |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Olivier Racoupeau |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 15.25 m (50.0 ft) | 16.80 m (55.1 ft) |
| LWL | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) | 14.20 m (46.6 ft) |
| Beam | 4.40 m (14.4 ft) | 4.75 m (15.6 ft) |
| Draft | 2.25 m (7.4 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 16,500 kg (36,376 lbs) | 19,500 kg (42,990 lbs) |
| Ballast | 6,200 kg (13,669 lbs) | 6,800 kg (14,991 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 108.0 m² (1,163 ft²) | 120.0 m² (1,292 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 110 HP | 110 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 450 L (118.9 gal) | 580 L (153.2 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 700 L (184.9 gal) | 780 L (206.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2008 Contest 50CS and 2014 Amel 55 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2008 Contest 50CS is a 2000s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 2014 Amel 55 is a modern offering from Amel from France. The 2008 Contest 50CS was penned by Dick Zaal. The 2014 Amel 55 was designed by Olivier Racoupeau.
In terms of size, the 2008 Contest 50CS measures 15.25m (50.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.40m, compared to the 2014 Amel 55 at 16.80m (55.1ft) with a 4.75m beam. The 2014 Amel 55 is 1.55m longer than the 2008 Contest 50CS. The 2014 Amel 55 displaces approximately 18% 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 2014 Amel 55, with an SA/D of 16.82 and 120.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2008 Contest 50CS 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 2014 Amel 55 has a comfort ratio of 16.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 37.6% for the 2008 Contest 50CS and 34.9% for the 2014 Amel 55, 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 2014 Amel 55 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 780L water and 580L 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 2008 Contest 50CS 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.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 2008 Contest 50CS · 2014 Amel 55