1996 Contest 48CS vs 1987 Cape Dory 40 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1996 Contest 48CS | 1987 Cape Dory 40 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Cape Dory |
| Year | 1996–2005 | 1987–1992 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | USA |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Carl Alberg |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 14.63 m (48.0 ft) | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) |
| LWL | 11.89 m (39.0 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 4.24 m (13.9 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 2.20 m (7.2 ft) | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 14,969 kg (33,001 lbs) | 8,618 kg (18,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 5,897 kg (13,001 lbs) | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 98.0 m² (1,055 ft²) | 64.5 m² (694 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 100 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 400 L (105.7 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 600 L (158.5 gal) | 284 L (75.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1996 Contest 48CS and 1987 Cape Dory 40 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1996 Contest 48CS is a 1990s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 1987 Cape Dory 40 is a 1980s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The 1996 Contest 48CS was penned by Dick Zaal. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 was designed by Carl Alberg.
In terms of size, the 1996 Contest 48CS measures 14.63m (48.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.24m, compared to the 1987 Cape Dory 40 at 12.19m (40.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1996 Contest 48CS is 2.44m longer than the 1987 Cape Dory 40. The 1996 Contest 48CS displaces approximately 74% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1996 Contest 48CS has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.39 and 98.0 m² of sail area. The 1987 Cape Dory 40, with an SA/D of 15.59 and 64.5 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1996 Contest 48CS has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1996 Contest 48CS offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.69). The 1987 Cape Dory 40 has a comfort ratio of 22.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.72. The ballast ratios are 39.4% for the 1996 Contest 48CS and 42.1% for the 1987 Cape Dory 40, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1996 Contest 48CS provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 600L of water capacity and 400L of fuel. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 284L water and 151L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1987 Cape Dory 40 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 1996 Contest 48CS has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1996 Contest 48CS offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 1996 Contest 48CS · 1987 Cape Dory 40