1992 Contest 42 vs 1990 Westerly Oceanquest — Comparison

1992 Contest 421992 Contest 42
VS
1990 Westerly Oceanquest

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1992 Contest 421990 Westerly Oceanquest
General
ManufacturerContestWesterly
Year1992–20021990–1996
TypeSloopSloop
CountryNetherlandsUK
DesignerDick ZaalEd Dubois
Dimensions
LOA12.80 m (42.0 ft)10.67 m (35.0 ft)
LWL10.36 m (34.0 ft)8.84 m (29.0 ft)
Beam3.86 m (12.7 ft)3.40 m (11.2 ft)
Draft1.95 m (6.4 ft)1.07 m (3.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement10,400 kg (22,928 lbs)5,897 kg (13,001 lbs)
Ballast4,200 kg (9,259 lbs)2,268 kg (5,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area76.0 m² (818 ft²)46.0 m² (495 ft²)
Hull MaterialSteelFiberglass
Keel TypeFinBilge
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP23 HP
Fuel Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Water Capacity400 L (105.7 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1992 Contest 42
16.20
1990 Westerly Oceanquest
14.32
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1992 Contest 42
40.38
1990 Westerly Oceanquest
38.46
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1992 Contest 42
0.71
1990 Westerly Oceanquest
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1992 Contest 42
21.49
1990 Westerly Oceanquest
20.14

Detailed Comparison

The 1992 Contest 42 and 1990 Westerly Oceanquest represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1992 Contest 42 is a 1990s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 1990 Westerly Oceanquest is a 1990s offering from Westerly from UK. The 1992 Contest 42 was penned by Dick Zaal. The 1990 Westerly Oceanquest was designed by Ed Dubois.

In terms of size, the 1992 Contest 42 measures 12.80m (42.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.86m, compared to the 1990 Westerly Oceanquest at 10.67m (35.0ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 1992 Contest 42 is 2.13m longer than the 1990 Westerly Oceanquest. The 1992 Contest 42 displaces approximately 76% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1992 Contest 42 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.20 and 76.0 m² of sail area. The 1990 Westerly Oceanquest, with an SA/D of 14.32 and 46.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1992 Contest 42 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1992 Contest 42 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.71). The 1990 Westerly Oceanquest has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 40.4% for the 1992 Contest 42 and 38.5% for the 1990 Westerly Oceanquest, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1992 Contest 42 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 400L of water capacity and 250L of fuel. The 1990 Westerly Oceanquest offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 100L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1992 Contest 42 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 1992 Contest 42 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: 1992 Contest 42 · 1990 Westerly Oceanquest