1990 Contest 40S vs Jeanneau Sun Loft 47 — Comparison
1990 Contest 40S
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1990 Contest 40S | Jeanneau Sun Loft 47 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Jeanneau |
| Year | 1990–2000 | 2019 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | France |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Philippe Briand |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.25 m (40.2 ft) | 14.20 m (46.6 ft) |
| LWL | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) | 13.00 m (42.7 ft) |
| Beam | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) | 4.49 m (14.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.90 m (6.2 ft) | 2.20 m (7.2 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 9,072 kg (20,000 lbs) | 11,500 kg (25,353 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) | 3,200 kg (7,055 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 68.5 m² (737 ft²) | 88.0 m² (947 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 40 HP | 57 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 250 L (66.0 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 400 L (105.7 gal) | 400 L (105.7 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 12 |
| Cabins | 2 | 4 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1990 Contest 40S and Jeanneau Sun Loft 47 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1990 Contest 40S is a 1990s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the Jeanneau Sun Loft 47 is a modern offering from Jeanneau from France. The 1990 Contest 40S was penned by Dick Zaal. The Jeanneau Sun Loft 47 was designed by Philippe Briand.
In terms of size, the 1990 Contest 40S measures 12.25m (40.2ft) overall with a beam of 3.72m, compared to the Jeanneau Sun Loft 47 at 14.20m (46.6ft) with a 4.49m beam. The Jeanneau Sun Loft 47 is 1.95m longer than the 1990 Contest 40S. The Jeanneau Sun Loft 47 displaces approximately 27% 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 Jeanneau Sun Loft 47, with an SA/D of 17.55 and 88.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Jeanneau Sun Loft 47 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 Jeanneau Sun Loft 47 has a comfort ratio of 13.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.80. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1990 Contest 40S and 27.8% for the Jeanneau Sun Loft 47, 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 Jeanneau Sun Loft 47 offers 12 berths in 4 cabins with 400L water and 200L 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 Jeanneau Sun Loft 47 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The Jeanneau Sun Loft 47 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1990 Contest 40S · Jeanneau Sun Loft 47