Catalina 545 vs 2005 Contest 46CS — Comparison
Catalina 545
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 545 | 2005 Contest 46CS |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Contest |
| Year | 2014 | 2005–2015 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Netherlands |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 16.46 m (54.0 ft) | 14.10 m (46.3 ft) |
| LWL | 14.33 m (47.0 ft) | 11.60 m (38.1 ft) |
| Beam | 4.72 m (15.5 ft) | 4.15 m (13.6 ft) |
| Draft | 2.18 m (7.2 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 18,144 kg (40,001 lbs) | 13,500 kg (29,762 lbs) |
| Ballast | 6,804 kg (15,000 lbs) | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 120.0 m² (1,292 ft²) | 93.0 m² (1,001 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 110 HP | 75 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 340 L (89.8 gal) | 350 L (92.5 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 605 L (159.8 gal) | 550 L (145.3 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 545 and 2005 Contest 46CS represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 545 is a modern design by Catalina from USA, while the 2005 Contest 46CS is a 2000s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The Catalina 545 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 2005 Contest 46CS was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the Catalina 545 measures 16.46m (54.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.72m, compared to the 2005 Contest 46CS at 14.10m (46.3ft) with a 4.15m beam. The Catalina 545 is 2.36m longer than the 2005 Contest 46CS. The Catalina 545 displaces approximately 34% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Catalina 545 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.65 and 120.0 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 545 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Catalina 545 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 15.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.72). 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 545 and 38.5% for the 2005 Contest 46CS, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Catalina 545 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 605L of water capacity and 340L 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 545 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The Catalina 545 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: Catalina 545 · 2005 Contest 46CS