1988 Contest 44CS vs Beneteau First 36.7 — Comparison
Beneteau First 36.7
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1988 Contest 44CS | Beneteau First 36.7 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Beneteau |
| Year | 1988–1996 | 2002–2008 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | France |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Farr Yacht Design |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 13.41 m (44.0 ft) | 11.25 m (36.9 ft) |
| LWL | 10.67 m (35.0 ft) | 9.65 m (31.7 ft) |
| Beam | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) | 3.58 m (11.7 ft) |
| Draft | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) | 1.98 m (6.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 12,700 kg (27,999 lbs) | 5,800 kg (12,787 lbs) |
| Ballast | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) | 2,100 kg (4,630 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 85.0 m² (915 ft²) | 65.0 m² (700 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 75 HP | 29 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 300 L (79.3 gal) | 120 L (31.7 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 500 L (132.1 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1988 Contest 44CS and Beneteau First 36.7 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1988 Contest 44CS is a 1980s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the Beneteau First 36.7 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1988 Contest 44CS was penned by Dick Zaal. The Beneteau First 36.7 was designed by Farr Yacht Design.
In terms of size, the 1988 Contest 44CS measures 13.41m (44.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the Beneteau First 36.7 at 11.25m (36.9ft) with a 3.58m beam. The 1988 Contest 44CS is 2.16m longer than the Beneteau First 36.7. The 1988 Contest 44CS displaces approximately 119% 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 Beneteau First 36.7, with an SA/D of 20.46 and 65.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The Beneteau First 36.7 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 Beneteau First 36.7 has a comfort ratio of 15.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.80. The ballast ratios are 40.9% for the 1988 Contest 44CS and 36.2% for the Beneteau First 36.7, 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 Beneteau First 36.7 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 120L 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 Beneteau First 36.7 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.
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Or view individual specs: 1988 Contest 44CS · Beneteau First 36.7