1990 Contest 40S vs 2005 X-Yachts X-35 — Comparison
1990 Contest 40S
2005 X-Yachts X-35
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1990 Contest 40S | 2005 X-Yachts X-35 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | X-Yachts |
| Year | 1990–2000 | 2005–2014 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | Denmark |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Niels Jeppesen |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.25 m (40.2 ft) | 10.59 m (34.7 ft) |
| LWL | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) | 9.40 m (30.8 ft) |
| Beam | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) | 3.30 m (10.8 ft) |
| Draft | 1.90 m (6.2 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 9,072 kg (20,000 lbs) | 5,500 kg (12,125 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) | 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 68.5 m² (737 ft²) | 56.0 m² (603 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 40 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 250 L (66.0 gal) | 65 L (17.2 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 400 L (105.7 gal) | 130 L (34.3 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1990 Contest 40S and 2005 X-Yachts X-35 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1990 Contest 40S is a 1990s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 2005 X-Yachts X-35 is a 2000s offering from X-Yachts from Denmark. The 1990 Contest 40S was penned by Dick Zaal. The 2005 X-Yachts X-35 was designed by Niels Jeppesen.
In terms of size, the 1990 Contest 40S measures 12.25m (40.2ft) overall with a beam of 3.72m, compared to the 2005 X-Yachts X-35 at 10.59m (34.7ft) with a 3.30m beam. The 1990 Contest 40S is 1.66m longer than the 2005 X-Yachts X-35. The 1990 Contest 40S displaces approximately 65% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1990 Contest 40S has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.00 and 68.5 m² of sail area. The 2005 X-Yachts X-35, with an SA/D of 18.26 and 56.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2005 X-Yachts X-35 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1990 Contest 40S offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.71). The 2005 X-Yachts X-35 has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1990 Contest 40S and 36.4% for the 2005 X-Yachts X-35, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1990 Contest 40S provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 400L of water capacity and 250L of fuel. The 2005 X-Yachts X-35 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 130L water and 65L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1990 Contest 40S 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 2005 X-Yachts X-35 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: 1990 Contest 40S · 2005 X-Yachts X-35