2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II vs 2005 Contest 46CS — Comparison

2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II
VS
2005 Contest 46CS

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II2005 Contest 46CS
General
ManufacturerHallberg-RassyContest
Year20172005–2015
TypeSloopSloop
CountrySwedenNetherlands
DesignerGerman FrersDick Zaal
Dimensions
LOA14.99 m (49.2 ft)14.10 m (46.3 ft)
LWL13.00 m (42.7 ft)11.60 m (38.1 ft)
Beam4.40 m (14.4 ft)4.15 m (13.6 ft)
Draft2.20 m (7.2 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement15,000 kg (33,069 lbs)13,500 kg (29,762 lbs)
Ballast5,500 kg (12,125 lbs)5,200 kg (11,464 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area103.0 m² (1,109 ft²)93.0 m² (1,001 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassSteel
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine110 HP75 HP
Fuel Capacity400 L (105.7 gal)350 L (92.5 gal)
Water Capacity700 L (184.9 gal)550 L (145.3 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II
17.20
2005 Contest 46CS
16.66
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II
36.67
2005 Contest 46CS
38.52
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II
0.71
2005 Contest 46CS
0.70
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II
17.32
2005 Contest 46CS
20.43

Detailed Comparison

The 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II and 2005 Contest 46CS represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II is a modern design by Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden, while the 2005 Contest 46CS is a 2000s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II was penned by German Frers. The 2005 Contest 46CS was designed by Dick Zaal.

In terms of size, the 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II measures 14.99m (49.2ft) overall with a beam of 4.40m, compared to the 2005 Contest 46CS at 14.10m (46.3ft) with a 4.15m beam. The 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II is 0.89m longer than the 2005 Contest 46CS. The 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II displaces approximately 11% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.20 and 103.0 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 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.71). The 2005 Contest 46CS has a comfort ratio of 20.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.70. The ballast ratios are 36.7% for the 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II and 38.5% for the 2005 Contest 46CS, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 700L of water capacity and 400L 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 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II 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.

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