2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II vs 2012 Contest 55CS — Comparison

2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II
VS
2012 Contest 55CS2012 Contest 55CS

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II2012 Contest 55CS
General
ManufacturerHallberg-RassyContest
Year20172012
TypeSloopSloop
CountrySwedenNetherlands
DesignerGerman FrersDick Zaal
Dimensions
LOA14.99 m (49.2 ft)16.80 m (55.1 ft)
LWL13.00 m (42.7 ft)14.00 m (45.9 ft)
Beam4.40 m (14.4 ft)4.65 m (15.3 ft)
Draft2.20 m (7.2 ft)2.40 m (7.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement15,000 kg (33,069 lbs)20,000 kg (44,092 lbs)
Ballast5,500 kg (12,125 lbs)7,500 kg (16,535 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area103.0 m² (1,109 ft²)125.0 m² (1,346 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassSteel
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine110 HP150 HP
Fuel Capacity400 L (105.7 gal)600 L (158.5 gal)
Water Capacity700 L (184.9 gal)900 L (237.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths78
Cabins34

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II
17.20
2012 Contest 55CS
17.23
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II
36.67
2012 Contest 55CS
37.50
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II
0.71
2012 Contest 55CS
0.69
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II
17.32
2012 Contest 55CS
18.01

Detailed Comparison

The 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II and 2012 Contest 55CS 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 2012 Contest 55CS is a modern offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II was penned by German Frers. The 2012 Contest 55CS 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 2012 Contest 55CS at 16.80m (55.1ft) with a 4.65m beam. The 2012 Contest 55CS is 1.81m longer than the 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II. The 2012 Contest 55CS displaces approximately 33% 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 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 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 2012 Contest 55CS has a comfort ratio of 18.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.69. The ballast ratios are 36.7% for the 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II and 37.5% for the 2012 Contest 55CS, 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 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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