2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II vs 2008 Contest 50CS — Comparison

2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II
VS
2008 Contest 50CS

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II2008 Contest 50CS
General
ManufacturerHallberg-RassyContest
Year20172008–2018
TypeSloopSloop
CountrySwedenNetherlands
DesignerGerman FrersDick Zaal
Dimensions
LOA14.99 m (49.2 ft)15.25 m (50.0 ft)
LWL13.00 m (42.7 ft)12.80 m (42.0 ft)
Beam4.40 m (14.4 ft)4.40 m (14.4 ft)
Draft2.20 m (7.2 ft)2.25 m (7.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement15,000 kg (33,069 lbs)16,500 kg (36,376 lbs)
Ballast5,500 kg (12,125 lbs)6,200 kg (13,669 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area103.0 m² (1,109 ft²)108.0 m² (1,163 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassSteel
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine110 HP110 HP
Fuel Capacity400 L (105.7 gal)450 L (118.9 gal)
Water Capacity700 L (184.9 gal)700 L (184.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths78
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II
17.20
2008 Contest 50CS
16.92
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II
36.67
2008 Contest 50CS
37.58
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II
0.71
2008 Contest 50CS
0.69
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II
17.32
2008 Contest 50CS
19.23

Detailed Comparison

The 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II and 2008 Contest 50CS 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 2008 Contest 50CS is a 2000s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II was penned by German Frers. The 2008 Contest 50CS 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 2008 Contest 50CS at 15.25m (50.0ft) with a 4.40m beam. The 2008 Contest 50CS is 0.26m longer than the 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II. The 2008 Contest 50CS displaces approximately 10% 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 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 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 2008 Contest 50CS has a comfort ratio of 19.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.69. The ballast ratios are 36.7% for the 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II and 37.6% for the 2008 Contest 50CS, 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 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 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: The 2008 Contest 50CS 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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