1996 Contest 48CS vs 1992 Valiant 47 — Comparison
1996 Contest 48CS
1992 Valiant 47
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1996 Contest 48CS | 1992 Valiant 47 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Valiant |
| Year | 1996–2005 | 1992–2002 |
| Type | Sloop | Cutter |
| Country | Netherlands | USA |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Bob Perry |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 14.63 m (48.0 ft) | 14.33 m (47.0 ft) |
| LWL | 11.89 m (39.0 ft) | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) |
| Beam | 4.24 m (13.9 ft) | 4.09 m (13.4 ft) |
| Draft | 2.20 m (7.2 ft) | 1.98 m (6.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 14,969 kg (33,001 lbs) | 14,969 kg (33,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 5,897 kg (13,001 lbs) | 5,897 kg (13,001 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 98.0 m² (1,055 ft²) | 92.5 m² (996 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Modified full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 100 HP | 75 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 400 L (105.7 gal) | 303 L (80.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 600 L (158.5 gal) | 568 L (150.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1996 Contest 48CS and 1992 Valiant 47 represent different approaches to sailboat design. The 1996 Contest 48CS is a 1990s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 1992 Valiant 47 is a 1990s offering from Valiant from USA. The 1996 Contest 48CS was penned by Dick Zaal. The 1992 Valiant 47 was designed by Bob Perry.
In terms of size, the 1996 Contest 48CS measures 14.63m (48.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.24m, compared to the 1992 Valiant 47 at 14.33m (47.0ft) with a 4.09m beam. The 1996 Contest 48CS is 0.30m longer than the 1992 Valiant 47.
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 1992 Valiant 47, with an SA/D of 15.47 and 92.5 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 1992 Valiant 47 has a comfort ratio of 22.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.67. The ballast ratios are 39.4% for the 1996 Contest 48CS and 39.4% for the 1992 Valiant 47, 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 1992 Valiant 47 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 568L water and 303L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1992 Valiant 47 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.