Catalina 440 vs 2005 Contest 46CS — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 440 | 2005 Contest 46CS |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Contest |
| Year | 2010–2018 | 2005–2015 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Netherlands |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 13.41 m (44.0 ft) | 14.10 m (46.3 ft) |
| LWL | 11.73 m (38.5 ft) | 11.60 m (38.1 ft) |
| Beam | 4.14 m (13.6 ft) | 4.15 m (13.6 ft) |
| Draft | 1.96 m (6.4 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 10,886 kg (23,999 lbs) | 13,500 kg (29,762 lbs) |
| Ballast | 4,082 kg (8,999 lbs) | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 82.0 m² (883 ft²) | 93.0 m² (1,001 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 55 HP | 75 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 189 L (49.9 gal) | 350 L (92.5 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 379 L (100.1 gal) | 550 L (145.3 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 440 and 2005 Contest 46CS represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 440 is a modern design by Catalina from USA, while the 2005 Contest 46CS is a 2000s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The Catalina 440 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 2005 Contest 46CS was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the Catalina 440 measures 13.41m (44.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.14m, compared to the 2005 Contest 46CS at 14.10m (46.3ft) with a 4.15m beam. The 2005 Contest 46CS is 0.69m longer than the Catalina 440. The 2005 Contest 46CS displaces approximately 24% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Catalina 440 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.96 and 82.0 m² of sail area. The 2005 Contest 46CS, with an SA/D of 16.66 and 93.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Catalina 440 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Catalina 440 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The 2005 Contest 46CS has a comfort ratio of 20.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.70. The ballast ratios are 37.5% for the Catalina 440 and 38.5% for the 2005 Contest 46CS, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Catalina 440 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 379L of water capacity and 189L of fuel. The 2005 Contest 46CS offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 550L water and 350L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2005 Contest 46CS 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 Catalina 440 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: Catalina 440 · 2005 Contest 46CS