1988 Contest 44CS vs 2015 Contest 62CS — Comparison
1988 Contest 44CS
2015 Contest 62CS
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1988 Contest 44CS | 2015 Contest 62CS |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Contest |
| Year | 1988–1996 | 2015 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | Netherlands |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 13.41 m (44.0 ft) | 18.90 m (62.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.67 m (35.0 ft) | 16.00 m (52.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) | 5.10 m (16.7 ft) |
| Draft | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) | 2.60 m (8.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 12,700 kg (27,999 lbs) | 27,000 kg (59,525 lbs) |
| Ballast | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) | 10,000 kg (22,046 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 85.0 m² (915 ft²) | 152.0 m² (1,636 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 75 HP | 200 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 300 L (79.3 gal) | 800 L (211.3 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 500 L (132.1 gal) | 1200 L (317.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 8 |
| Cabins | 3 | 4 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1988 Contest 44CS and 2015 Contest 62CS represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1988 Contest 44CS is a 1980s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 2015 Contest 62CS is a modern offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 1988 Contest 44CS was penned by Dick Zaal. The 2015 Contest 62CS was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the 1988 Contest 44CS measures 13.41m (44.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the 2015 Contest 62CS at 18.90m (62.0ft) with a 5.10m beam. The 2015 Contest 62CS is 5.49m longer than the 1988 Contest 44CS. The 2015 Contest 62CS displaces approximately 113% 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 2015 Contest 62CS, with an SA/D of 17.15 and 152.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2015 Contest 62CS 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 2015 Contest 62CS has a comfort ratio of 16.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.68. The ballast ratios are 40.9% for the 1988 Contest 44CS and 37.0% for the 2015 Contest 62CS, 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 2015 Contest 62CS offers 8 berths in 4 cabins with 1200L water and 800L 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 2015 Contest 62CS has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2015 Contest 62CS offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.