1991 Najad 373 vs 2005 Contest 46CS — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1991 Najad 373 | 2005 Contest 46CS |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Najad | Contest |
| Year | 1991–2002 | 2005–2015 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Sweden | Netherlands |
| Designer | Judel/Vrolijk | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.28 m (37.0 ft) | 14.10 m (46.3 ft) |
| LWL | 8.99 m (29.5 ft) | 11.60 m (38.1 ft) |
| Beam | 3.47 m (11.4 ft) | 4.15 m (13.6 ft) |
| Draft | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,711 kg (17,000 lbs) | 13,500 kg (29,762 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 60.8 m² (654 ft²) | 93.0 m² (1,001 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 35 HP | 75 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 350 L (92.5 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 250 L (66.0 gal) | 550 L (145.3 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1991 Najad 373 and 2005 Contest 46CS represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1991 Najad 373 is a 1990s design by Najad from Sweden, while the 2005 Contest 46CS is a 2000s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 1991 Najad 373 was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The 2005 Contest 46CS was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the 1991 Najad 373 measures 11.28m (37.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.47m, compared to the 2005 Contest 46CS at 14.10m (46.3ft) with a 4.15m beam. The 2005 Contest 46CS is 2.82m longer than the 1991 Najad 373. The 2005 Contest 46CS displaces approximately 75% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1991 Najad 373 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.83 and 60.8 m² of sail area. The 2005 Contest 46CS, with an SA/D of 16.66 and 93.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2005 Contest 46CS has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1991 Najad 373 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 24.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.70). The 2005 Contest 46CS has a comfort ratio of 20.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.70. The ballast ratios are 41.2% for the 1991 Najad 373 and 38.5% for the 2005 Contest 46CS, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1991 Najad 373 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 250L of water capacity and 150L of fuel. The 2005 Contest 46CS offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 550L water and 350L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1991 Najad 373 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 Contest 46CS has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2005 Contest 46CS 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: 1991 Najad 373 · 2005 Contest 46CS