Dufour 460 Grand Large vs 2008 Contest 50CS — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Dufour 460 Grand Large | 2008 Contest 50CS |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Contest |
| Year | 2016–2020 | 2008–2018 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Netherlands |
| Designer | Felci Yacht Design | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 14.15 m (46.4 ft) | 15.25 m (50.0 ft) |
| LWL | 12.65 m (41.5 ft) | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) |
| Beam | 4.35 m (14.3 ft) | 4.40 m (14.4 ft) |
| Draft | 2.20 m (7.2 ft) | 2.25 m (7.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 11,000 kg (24,251 lbs) | 16,500 kg (36,376 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,400 kg (7,496 lbs) | 6,200 kg (13,669 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 92.0 m² (990 ft²) | 108.0 m² (1,163 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 57 HP | 110 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 450 L (118.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 430 L (113.6 gal) | 700 L (184.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 10 | 8 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Dufour 460 Grand Large and 2008 Contest 50CS represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 460 Grand Large is a modern design by Dufour from France, while the 2008 Contest 50CS is a 2000s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The Dufour 460 Grand Large was penned by Felci Yacht Design. The 2008 Contest 50CS was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the Dufour 460 Grand Large measures 14.15m (46.4ft) overall with a beam of 4.35m, compared to the 2008 Contest 50CS at 15.25m (50.0ft) with a 4.40m beam. The 2008 Contest 50CS is 1.10m longer than the Dufour 460 Grand Large. The 2008 Contest 50CS displaces approximately 50% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Dufour 460 Grand Large has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.89 and 92.0 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 Dufour 460 Grand Large has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Dufour 460 Grand Large offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 13.9) 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 30.9% for the Dufour 460 Grand Large and 37.6% for the 2008 Contest 50CS, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Dufour 460 Grand Large provides 10 berths in 3 cabins with 430L 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 Dufour 460 Grand Large has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The Dufour 460 Grand Large 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: Dufour 460 Grand Large · 2008 Contest 50CS