1996 Contest 48CS vs 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40 — Comparison

1996 Contest 48CS
VS
2010 Hallberg-Rassy 402010 Hallberg-Rassy 40

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1996 Contest 48CS2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40
General
ManufacturerContestHallberg-Rassy
Year1996–20052010–2017
TypeSloopSloop
CountryNetherlandsSweden
DesignerDick ZaalGerman Frers
Dimensions
LOA14.63 m (48.0 ft)12.08 m (39.6 ft)
LWL11.89 m (39.0 ft)10.40 m (34.1 ft)
Beam4.24 m (13.9 ft)3.82 m (12.5 ft)
Draft2.20 m (7.2 ft)1.95 m (6.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement14,969 kg (33,001 lbs)9,200 kg (20,283 lbs)
Ballast5,897 kg (13,001 lbs)3,500 kg (7,716 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area98.0 m² (1,055 ft²)73.0 m² (786 ft²)
Hull MaterialSteelFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine100 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity400 L (105.7 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Water Capacity600 L (158.5 gal)380 L (100.4 gal)
Accommodation
Berths86
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1996 Contest 48CS
16.39
2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40
16.89
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1996 Contest 48CS
39.39
2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40
38.04
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1996 Contest 48CS
0.69
2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40
0.73
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1996 Contest 48CS
20.78
2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40
19.94

Detailed Comparison

The 1996 Contest 48CS and 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1996 Contest 48CS is a 1990s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40 is a modern offering from Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden. The 1996 Contest 48CS was penned by Dick Zaal. The 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40 was designed by German Frers.

In terms of size, the 1996 Contest 48CS measures 14.63m (48.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.24m, compared to the 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40 at 12.08m (39.6ft) with a 3.82m beam. The 1996 Contest 48CS is 2.55m longer than the 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40. 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 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40, with an SA/D of 16.89 and 73.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40 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 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40 has a comfort ratio of 19.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 39.4% for the 1996 Contest 48CS and 38.0% for the 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 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 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 380L 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 2010 Hallberg-Rassy 40 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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