1996 Contest 48CS vs Beneteau First 44.7 — Comparison
1996 Contest 48CS
Beneteau First 44.7
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1996 Contest 48CS | Beneteau First 44.7 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Beneteau |
| Year | 1996–2005 | 1999–2004 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | France |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Farr Yacht Design |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 14.63 m (48.0 ft) | 13.48 m (44.2 ft) |
| LWL | 11.89 m (39.0 ft) | 11.60 m (38.1 ft) |
| Beam | 4.24 m (13.9 ft) | 4.12 m (13.5 ft) |
| Draft | 2.20 m (7.2 ft) | 2.30 m (7.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 14,969 kg (33,001 lbs) | 9,200 kg (20,283 lbs) |
| Ballast | 5,897 kg (13,001 lbs) | 3,300 kg (7,275 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 98.0 m² (1,055 ft²) | 90.0 m² (969 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 100 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 400 L (105.7 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 600 L (158.5 gal) | 350 L (92.5 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 8 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1996 Contest 48CS and Beneteau First 44.7 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1996 Contest 48CS is a 1990s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the Beneteau First 44.7 is a 1990s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1996 Contest 48CS was penned by Dick Zaal. The Beneteau First 44.7 was designed by Farr Yacht Design.
In terms of size, the 1996 Contest 48CS measures 14.63m (48.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.24m, compared to the Beneteau First 44.7 at 13.48m (44.2ft) with a 4.12m beam. The 1996 Contest 48CS is 1.15m longer than the Beneteau First 44.7. The 1996 Contest 48CS displaces approximately 63% 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 Beneteau First 44.7, with an SA/D of 20.82 and 90.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The Beneteau First 44.7 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 Beneteau First 44.7 has a comfort ratio of 14.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 39.4% for the 1996 Contest 48CS and 35.9% for the Beneteau First 44.7, 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 Beneteau First 44.7 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 350L water and 200L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1996 Contest 48CS 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 Beneteau First 44.7 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.