1978 Bristol 40 vs 1992 Contest 42 — Comparison
1978 Bristol 40
1992 Contest 42
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1978 Bristol 40 | 1992 Contest 42 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Bristol | Contest |
| Year | 1978–1983 | 1992–2002 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Netherlands |
| Designer | Ted Hood | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.35 m (11.0 ft) | 3.86 m (12.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) | 1.95 m (6.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 8,165 kg (18,001 lbs) | 10,400 kg (22,928 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,402 kg (7,500 lbs) | 4,200 kg (9,259 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 62.4 m² (672 ft²) | 76.0 m² (818 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 35 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 250 L (66.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 189 L (49.9 gal) | 400 L (105.7 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1978 Bristol 40 and 1992 Contest 42 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1978 Bristol 40 is a 1970s design by Bristol from USA, while the 1992 Contest 42 is a 1990s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 1978 Bristol 40 was penned by Ted Hood. The 1992 Contest 42 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the 1978 Bristol 40 measures 12.19m (40.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.35m, compared to the 1992 Contest 42 at 12.80m (42.0ft) with a 3.86m beam. The 1992 Contest 42 is 0.61m longer than the 1978 Bristol 40. The 1992 Contest 42 displaces approximately 27% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1978 Bristol 40 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.63 and 62.4 m² of sail area. The 1992 Contest 42, with an SA/D of 16.20 and 76.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1992 Contest 42 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1978 Bristol 40 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 24.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.67). The 1992 Contest 42 has a comfort ratio of 21.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 41.7% for the 1978 Bristol 40 and 40.4% for the 1992 Contest 42, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1978 Bristol 40 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 189L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The 1992 Contest 42 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 400L water and 250L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1978 Bristol 40 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 1992 Contest 42 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.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1978 Bristol 40 · 1992 Contest 42