1988 Contest 44CS vs 1996 Najad 380 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1988 Contest 44CS | 1996 Najad 380 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Najad |
| Year | 1988–1996 | 1996–2006 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | Sweden |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Judel/Vrolijk |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 13.41 m (44.0 ft) | 11.55 m (37.9 ft) |
| LWL | 10.67 m (35.0 ft) | 9.50 m (31.2 ft) |
| Beam | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) | 3.55 m (11.6 ft) |
| Draft | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) | 1.85 m (6.1 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 12,700 kg (27,999 lbs) | 7,500 kg (16,535 lbs) |
| Ballast | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) | 3,050 kg (6,724 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 85.0 m² (915 ft²) | 62.0 m² (667 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 75 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 300 L (79.3 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 500 L (132.1 gal) | 260 L (68.7 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1988 Contest 44CS and 1996 Najad 380 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1988 Contest 44CS is a 1980s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 1996 Najad 380 is a 1990s offering from Najad from Sweden. The 1988 Contest 44CS was penned by Dick Zaal. The 1996 Najad 380 was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.
In terms of size, the 1988 Contest 44CS measures 13.41m (44.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the 1996 Najad 380 at 11.55m (37.9ft) with a 3.55m beam. The 1988 Contest 44CS is 1.86m longer than the 1996 Najad 380. The 1988 Contest 44CS displaces approximately 69% 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 1996 Najad 380, with an SA/D of 16.44 and 62.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1996 Najad 380 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 1996 Najad 380 has a comfort ratio of 20.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 40.9% for the 1988 Contest 44CS and 40.7% for the 1996 Najad 380, 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 1996 Najad 380 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 260L water and 150L 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 1996 Najad 380 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1988 Contest 44CS 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 44CS · 1996 Najad 380