2008 Contest 50CS vs 2016 Elan GT5 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2008 Contest 50CS | 2016 Elan GT5 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Elan |
| Year | 2008–2018 | 2016 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | Slovenia |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Rob Humphreys / Studio F.A. Porsche |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 15.25 m (50.0 ft) | 13.85 m (45.4 ft) |
| LWL | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) | 12.20 m (40.0 ft) |
| Beam | 4.40 m (14.4 ft) | 4.28 m (14.0 ft) |
| Draft | 2.25 m (7.4 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 16,500 kg (36,376 lbs) | 10,200 kg (22,487 lbs) |
| Ballast | 6,200 kg (13,669 lbs) | 3,200 kg (7,055 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 108.0 m² (1,163 ft²) | 92.0 m² (990 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 110 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 450 L (118.9 gal) | 160 L (42.3 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 700 L (184.9 gal) | 350 L (92.5 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 8 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2008 Contest 50CS and 2016 Elan GT5 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2008 Contest 50CS is a 2000s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 2016 Elan GT5 is a modern offering from Elan from Slovenia. The 2008 Contest 50CS was penned by Dick Zaal. The 2016 Elan GT5 was designed by Rob Humphreys / Studio F.A. Porsche.
In terms of size, the 2008 Contest 50CS measures 15.25m (50.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.40m, compared to the 2016 Elan GT5 at 13.85m (45.4ft) with a 4.28m beam. The 2008 Contest 50CS is 1.40m longer than the 2016 Elan GT5. The 2008 Contest 50CS displaces approximately 62% 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 2016 Elan GT5, with an SA/D of 19.87 and 92.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2016 Elan GT5 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 2016 Elan GT5 has a comfort ratio of 14.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 37.6% for the 2008 Contest 50CS and 31.4% for the 2016 Elan GT5, 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 2016 Elan GT5 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 350L water and 160L 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 2016 Elan GT5 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
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 2008 Contest 50CS · 2016 Elan GT5