1988 Contest 44CS vs 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 — Comparison
2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1988 Contest 44CS | 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Beneteau |
| Year | 1988–1996 | 2008–2012 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | France |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Finot-Conq |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 13.41 m (44.0 ft) | 11.35 m (37.2 ft) |
| LWL | 10.67 m (35.0 ft) | 9.93 m (32.6 ft) |
| Beam | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) |
| Draft | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 12,700 kg (27,999 lbs) | 6,680 kg (14,727 lbs) |
| Ballast | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) | 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 85.0 m² (915 ft²) | 59.0 m² (635 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 75 HP | 29 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 300 L (79.3 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 500 L (132.1 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1988 Contest 44CS and 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1988 Contest 44CS is a 1980s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1988 Contest 44CS was penned by Dick Zaal. The 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 was designed by Finot-Conq.
In terms of size, the 1988 Contest 44CS measures 13.41m (44.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 at 11.35m (37.2ft) with a 3.72m beam. The 1988 Contest 44CS is 2.06m longer than the 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37. The 1988 Contest 44CS displaces approximately 90% 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 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37, with an SA/D of 16.90 and 59.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 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 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 has a comfort ratio of 16.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 40.9% for the 1988 Contest 44CS and 29.9% for the 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37, 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 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 200L water and 100L 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 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 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 · 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37