1996 Contest 48CS vs 1994 Passport 42 — Comparison
1996 Contest 48CS
1994 Passport 42
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1996 Contest 48CS | 1994 Passport 42 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Passport |
| Year | 1996–2005 | 1994–2003 |
| Type | Sloop | Cutter |
| Country | Netherlands | Taiwan |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Robert Perry |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 14.63 m (48.0 ft) | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) |
| LWL | 11.89 m (39.0 ft) | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) |
| Beam | 4.24 m (13.9 ft) | 3.86 m (12.7 ft) |
| Draft | 2.20 m (7.2 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 14,969 kg (33,001 lbs) | 10,886 kg (23,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 5,897 kg (13,001 lbs) | 4,309 kg (9,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 98.0 m² (1,055 ft²) | 75.3 m² (811 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Modified full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 100 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 400 L (105.7 gal) | 227 L (60.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 600 L (158.5 gal) | 454 L (119.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1996 Contest 48CS and 1994 Passport 42 represent different approaches to sailboat design. The 1996 Contest 48CS is a 1990s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 1994 Passport 42 is a 1990s offering from Passport from Taiwan. The 1996 Contest 48CS was penned by Dick Zaal. The 1994 Passport 42 was designed by Robert Perry.
In terms of size, the 1996 Contest 48CS measures 14.63m (48.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.24m, compared to the 1994 Passport 42 at 12.80m (42.0ft) with a 3.86m beam. The 1996 Contest 48CS is 1.83m longer than the 1994 Passport 42. The 1996 Contest 48CS displaces approximately 38% 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 1994 Passport 42, with an SA/D of 15.57 and 75.3 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 1994 Passport 42 has a comfort ratio of 22.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.70. The ballast ratios are 39.4% for the 1996 Contest 48CS and 39.6% for the 1994 Passport 42, 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 1994 Passport 42 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 454L water and 227L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1994 Passport 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 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.