1988 Contest 44CS vs 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F — Comparison
1988 Contest 44CS
1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1988 Contest 44CS | 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Hallberg-Rassy |
| Year | 1988–1996 | 1986–1995 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | Sweden |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | German Frers |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 13.41 m (44.0 ft) | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.67 m (35.0 ft) | 10.20 m (33.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) | 3.90 m (12.8 ft) |
| Draft | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 12,700 kg (27,999 lbs) | 10,500 kg (23,149 lbs) |
| Ballast | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) | 4,200 kg (9,259 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 85.0 m² (915 ft²) | 78.0 m² (840 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 75 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 300 L (79.3 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 500 L (132.1 gal) | 400 L (105.7 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1988 Contest 44CS and 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1988 Contest 44CS is a 1980s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F is a 1980s offering from Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden. The 1988 Contest 44CS was penned by Dick Zaal. The 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F was designed by German Frers.
In terms of size, the 1988 Contest 44CS measures 13.41m (44.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F at 12.80m (42.0ft) with a 3.90m beam. The 1988 Contest 44CS is 0.61m longer than the 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F. The 1988 Contest 44CS displaces approximately 21% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1988 Contest 44CS has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.86 and 85.0 m² of sail area. The 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F, with an SA/D of 16.52 and 78.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1988 Contest 44CS offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 23.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.68). The 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F has a comfort ratio of 21.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 40.9% for the 1988 Contest 44CS and 40.0% for the 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1988 Contest 44CS provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 500L of water capacity and 300L of fuel. The 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 400L water and 200L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1988 Contest 44CS 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 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F 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.