1988 Contest 44CS vs Hanse 400 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1988 Contest 44CS | Hanse 400 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Hanse |
| Year | 1988–1996 | 2002–2006 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | Germany |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | judel/vrolijk & co |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 13.41 m (44.0 ft) | 12.10 m (39.7 ft) |
| LWL | 10.67 m (35.0 ft) | 10.60 m (34.8 ft) |
| Beam | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) | 3.80 m (12.5 ft) |
| Draft | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) | 1.95 m (6.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 12,700 kg (27,999 lbs) | 7,600 kg (16,755 lbs) |
| Ballast | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) | 2,350 kg (5,181 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 85.0 m² (915 ft²) | 68.0 m² (732 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 75 HP | 29 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 300 L (79.3 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 500 L (132.1 gal) | 280 L (74.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 8 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1988 Contest 44CS and Hanse 400 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1988 Contest 44CS is a 1980s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the Hanse 400 is a 2000s offering from Hanse from Germany. The 1988 Contest 44CS was penned by Dick Zaal. The Hanse 400 was designed by judel/vrolijk & co.
In terms of size, the 1988 Contest 44CS measures 13.41m (44.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the Hanse 400 at 12.10m (39.7ft) with a 3.80m beam. The 1988 Contest 44CS is 1.31m longer than the Hanse 400. The 1988 Contest 44CS displaces approximately 67% 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 Hanse 400, with an SA/D of 17.87 and 68.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Hanse 400 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 Hanse 400 has a comfort ratio of 16.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 40.9% for the 1988 Contest 44CS and 30.9% for the Hanse 400, 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 Hanse 400 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 280L 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 Hanse 400 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The Hanse 400 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 1988 Contest 44CS · Hanse 400