2005 Contest 46CS vs 1995 Feeling 39 — Comparison

2005 Contest 46CS
VS
1995 Feeling 39

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2005 Contest 46CS1995 Feeling 39
General
ManufacturerContestFeeling
Year2005–20151995–2003
TypeSloopSloop
CountryNetherlandsFrance
DesignerDick ZaalPhilippe Harlé
Dimensions
LOA14.10 m (46.3 ft)11.80 m (38.7 ft)
LWL11.60 m (38.1 ft)10.06 m (33.0 ft)
Beam4.15 m (13.6 ft)3.78 m (12.4 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)1.80 m (5.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement13,500 kg (29,762 lbs)7,800 kg (17,196 lbs)
Ballast5,200 kg (11,464 lbs)3,000 kg (6,614 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area93.0 m² (1,001 ft²)66.0 m² (710 ft²)
Hull MaterialSteelFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine75 HP35 HP
Fuel Capacity350 L (92.5 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Water Capacity550 L (145.3 gal)250 L (66.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2005 Contest 46CS
16.66
1995 Feeling 39
17.05
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2005 Contest 46CS
38.52
1995 Feeling 39
38.46
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2005 Contest 46CS
0.70
1995 Feeling 39
0.76
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2005 Contest 46CS
20.43
1995 Feeling 39
18.21

Detailed Comparison

The 2005 Contest 46CS and 1995 Feeling 39 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2005 Contest 46CS is a 2000s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 1995 Feeling 39 is a 1990s offering from Feeling from France. The 2005 Contest 46CS was penned by Dick Zaal. The 1995 Feeling 39 was designed by Philippe Harlé.

In terms of size, the 2005 Contest 46CS measures 14.10m (46.3ft) overall with a beam of 4.15m, compared to the 1995 Feeling 39 at 11.80m (38.7ft) with a 3.78m beam. The 2005 Contest 46CS is 2.30m longer than the 1995 Feeling 39. The 2005 Contest 46CS displaces approximately 73% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2005 Contest 46CS has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.66 and 93.0 m² of sail area. The 1995 Feeling 39, with an SA/D of 17.05 and 66.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1995 Feeling 39 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2005 Contest 46CS offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.70). The 1995 Feeling 39 has a comfort ratio of 18.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 38.5% for the 2005 Contest 46CS and 38.5% for the 1995 Feeling 39, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2005 Contest 46CS provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 550L of water capacity and 350L of fuel. The 1995 Feeling 39 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 250L water and 120L 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 1995 Feeling 39 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.

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Or view individual specs: 2005 Contest 46CS · 1995 Feeling 39