2013 Beneteau Sense 50 vs 2008 Contest 50CS — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2013 Beneteau Sense 50 | 2008 Contest 50CS |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Contest |
| Year | 2013–2018 | 2008–2018 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Netherlands |
| Designer | Berret-Racoupeau | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 15.42 m (50.6 ft) | 15.25 m (50.0 ft) |
| LWL | 13.80 m (45.3 ft) | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) |
| Beam | 4.70 m (15.4 ft) | 4.40 m (14.4 ft) |
| Draft | 2.20 m (7.2 ft) | 2.25 m (7.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 14,000 kg (30,865 lbs) | 16,500 kg (36,376 lbs) |
| Ballast | 4,000 kg (8,818 lbs) | 6,200 kg (13,669 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 105.0 m² (1,130 ft²) | 108.0 m² (1,163 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 75 HP | 110 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 450 L (118.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 400 L (105.7 gal) | 700 L (184.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 10 | 8 |
| Cabins | 4 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2013 Beneteau Sense 50 and 2008 Contest 50CS represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2013 Beneteau Sense 50 is a modern design by Beneteau from France, while the 2008 Contest 50CS is a 2000s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 2013 Beneteau Sense 50 was penned by Berret-Racoupeau. The 2008 Contest 50CS was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the 2013 Beneteau Sense 50 measures 15.42m (50.6ft) overall with a beam of 4.70m, compared to the 2008 Contest 50CS at 15.25m (50.0ft) with a 4.40m beam. The 2013 Beneteau Sense 50 is 0.17m longer than the 2008 Contest 50CS. The 2008 Contest 50CS displaces approximately 18% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2013 Beneteau Sense 50 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.36 and 105.0 m² of sail area. The 2008 Contest 50CS, with an SA/D of 16.92 and 108.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2013 Beneteau Sense 50 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2013 Beneteau Sense 50 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 13.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 2008 Contest 50CS has a comfort ratio of 19.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.69. The ballast ratios are 28.6% for the 2013 Beneteau Sense 50 and 37.6% for the 2008 Contest 50CS, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2013 Beneteau Sense 50 provides 10 berths in 4 cabins with 400L of water capacity and 200L of fuel. The 2008 Contest 50CS offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 700L water and 450L 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 2013 Beneteau Sense 50 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2013 Beneteau Sense 50 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: 2013 Beneteau Sense 50 · 2008 Contest 50CS