2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 vs 2005 Contest 46CS — Comparison
2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 | 2005 Contest 46CS |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Contest |
| Year | 2019 | 2005–2015 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Netherlands |
| Designer | Groupe Finot-Conq | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 15.94 m (52.3 ft) | 14.10 m (46.3 ft) |
| LWL | 14.30 m (46.9 ft) | 11.60 m (38.1 ft) |
| Beam | 4.80 m (15.7 ft) | 4.15 m (13.6 ft) |
| Draft | 2.25 m (7.4 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 13,500 kg (29,762 lbs) | 13,500 kg (29,762 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,800 kg (8,378 lbs) | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 108.0 m² (1,163 ft²) | 93.0 m² (1,001 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 75 HP | 75 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 350 L (92.5 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 400 L (105.7 gal) | 550 L (145.3 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 10 | 7 |
| Cabins | 5 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 and 2005 Contest 46CS represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 is a modern design by Beneteau from France, while the 2005 Contest 46CS is a 2000s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 was penned by Groupe Finot-Conq. The 2005 Contest 46CS was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 measures 15.94m (52.3ft) overall with a beam of 4.80m, compared to the 2005 Contest 46CS at 14.10m (46.3ft) with a 4.15m beam. The 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 is 1.84m longer than the 2005 Contest 46CS.
Looking at performance, the 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 19.35 and 108.0 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 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 11.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.81). The 2005 Contest 46CS has a comfort ratio of 20.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.70. The ballast ratios are 28.2% for the 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 and 38.5% for the 2005 Contest 46CS, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 provides 10 berths in 5 cabins with 400L of water capacity and 200L 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 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 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: 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 · 2005 Contest 46CS