1988 Contest 38 vs 2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47 — Comparison
1988 Contest 38
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1988 Contest 38 | 2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Wauquiez |
| Year | 1988–1996 | 2008–2016 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | France |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Jean Berret |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.55 m (37.9 ft) | 14.33 m (47.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 12.00 m (39.4 ft) |
| Beam | 3.47 m (11.4 ft) | 4.20 m (13.8 ft) |
| Draft | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,711 kg (17,000 lbs) | 12,500 kg (27,558 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) | 4,800 kg (10,582 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 61.5 m² (662 ft²) | 92.0 m² (990 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 35 HP | 100 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 280 L (74.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 300 L (79.3 gal) | 500 L (132.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1988 Contest 38 and 2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1988 Contest 38 is a 1980s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47 is a 2000s offering from Wauquiez from France. The 1988 Contest 38 was penned by Dick Zaal. The 2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47 was designed by Jean Berret.
In terms of size, the 1988 Contest 38 measures 11.55m (37.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.47m, compared to the 2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47 at 14.33m (47.0ft) with a 4.20m beam. The 2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47 is 2.78m longer than the 1988 Contest 38. The 2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47 displaces approximately 62% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1988 Contest 38 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.01 and 61.5 m² of sail area. The 2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47, with an SA/D of 17.35 and 92.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1988 Contest 38 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 23.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.70). The 2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47 has a comfort ratio of 17.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 41.2% for the 1988 Contest 38 and 38.4% for the 2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1988 Contest 38 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 300L of water capacity and 200L of fuel. The 2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 500L water and 280L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1988 Contest 38 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 2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47 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 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended 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: 1988 Contest 38 · 2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47