2004 Bavaria 38 vs 2005 Contest 46CS — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2004 Bavaria 38 | 2005 Contest 46CS |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Bavaria | Contest |
| Year | 2004–2009 | 2005–2015 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | Netherlands |
| Designer | J&J Design | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.72 m (38.5 ft) | 14.10 m (46.3 ft) |
| LWL | 10.40 m (34.1 ft) | 11.60 m (38.1 ft) |
| Beam | 3.76 m (12.3 ft) | 4.15 m (13.6 ft) |
| Draft | 1.85 m (6.1 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,500 kg (16,535 lbs) | 13,500 kg (29,762 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,500 kg (5,512 lbs) | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 63.0 m² (678 ft²) | 93.0 m² (1,001 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 30 HP | 75 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 350 L (92.5 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 550 L (145.3 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2004 Bavaria 38 and 2005 Contest 46CS represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2004 Bavaria 38 is a 2000s design by Bavaria from Germany, while the 2005 Contest 46CS is a 2000s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 2004 Bavaria 38 was penned by J&J Design. The 2005 Contest 46CS was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the 2004 Bavaria 38 measures 11.72m (38.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.76m, compared to the 2005 Contest 46CS at 14.10m (46.3ft) with a 4.15m beam. The 2005 Contest 46CS is 2.38m longer than the 2004 Bavaria 38. The 2005 Contest 46CS displaces approximately 80% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2004 Bavaria 38 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.70 and 63.0 m² of sail area. The 2005 Contest 46CS, with an SA/D of 16.66 and 93.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2004 Bavaria 38 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2004 Bavaria 38 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 2005 Contest 46CS has a comfort ratio of 20.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.70. The ballast ratios are 33.3% for the 2004 Bavaria 38 and 38.5% for the 2005 Contest 46CS, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2004 Bavaria 38 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 100L of fuel. The 2005 Contest 46CS offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 550L water and 350L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2005 Contest 46CS 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 2004 Bavaria 38 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2004 Bavaria 38 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 2004 Bavaria 38 · 2005 Contest 46CS