2013 Oyster 485 vs 2012 Contest 55CS — Comparison
2012 Contest 55CS
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2013 Oyster 485 | 2012 Contest 55CS |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Oyster | Contest |
| Year | 2013–2020 | 2012 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | United Kingdom | Netherlands |
| Designer | Rob Humphreys | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 14.85 m (48.7 ft) | 16.80 m (55.1 ft) |
| LWL | 12.70 m (41.7 ft) | 14.00 m (45.9 ft) |
| Beam | 4.38 m (14.4 ft) | 4.65 m (15.3 ft) |
| Draft | 2.15 m (7.1 ft) | 2.40 m (7.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 14,200 kg (31,306 lbs) | 20,000 kg (44,092 lbs) |
| Ballast | 5,400 kg (11,905 lbs) | 7,500 kg (16,535 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 98.0 m² (1,055 ft²) | 125.0 m² (1,346 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 110 HP | 150 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 300 L (79.3 gal) | 600 L (158.5 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 550 L (145.3 gal) | 900 L (237.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 8 |
| Cabins | 3 | 4 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2013 Oyster 485 and 2012 Contest 55CS represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2013 Oyster 485 is a modern design by Oyster from United Kingdom, while the 2012 Contest 55CS is a modern offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 2013 Oyster 485 was penned by Rob Humphreys. The 2012 Contest 55CS was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the 2013 Oyster 485 measures 14.85m (48.7ft) overall with a beam of 4.38m, compared to the 2012 Contest 55CS at 16.80m (55.1ft) with a 4.65m beam. The 2012 Contest 55CS is 1.95m longer than the 2013 Oyster 485. The 2012 Contest 55CS displaces approximately 41% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2013 Oyster 485 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.98 and 98.0 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 2013 Oyster 485 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.72). The 2012 Contest 55CS has a comfort ratio of 18.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.69. The ballast ratios are 38.0% for the 2013 Oyster 485 and 37.5% for the 2012 Contest 55CS, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2013 Oyster 485 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 550L of water capacity and 300L of fuel. The 2012 Contest 55CS offers 8 berths in 4 cabins with 900L water and 600L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2012 Contest 55CS 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: The 2012 Contest 55CS 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 Oyster 485 · 2012 Contest 55CS