2005 Contest 46CS vs 1996 Najad 380 — Comparison
2005 Contest 46CS
1996 Najad 380
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2005 Contest 46CS | 1996 Najad 380 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Najad |
| Year | 2005–2015 | 1996–2006 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | Sweden |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Judel/Vrolijk |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 14.10 m (46.3 ft) | 11.55 m (37.9 ft) |
| LWL | 11.60 m (38.1 ft) | 9.50 m (31.2 ft) |
| Beam | 4.15 m (13.6 ft) | 3.55 m (11.6 ft) |
| Draft | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) | 1.85 m (6.1 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 13,500 kg (29,762 lbs) | 7,500 kg (16,535 lbs) |
| Ballast | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) | 3,050 kg (6,724 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 93.0 m² (1,001 ft²) | 62.0 m² (667 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 75 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 350 L (92.5 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 550 L (145.3 gal) | 260 L (68.7 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2005 Contest 46CS and 1996 Najad 380 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2005 Contest 46CS is a 2000s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 1996 Najad 380 is a 1990s offering from Najad from Sweden. The 2005 Contest 46CS was penned by Dick Zaal. The 1996 Najad 380 was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.
In terms of size, the 2005 Contest 46CS measures 14.10m (46.3ft) overall with a beam of 4.15m, compared to the 1996 Najad 380 at 11.55m (37.9ft) with a 3.55m beam. The 2005 Contest 46CS is 2.55m longer than the 1996 Najad 380. 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 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 1996 Najad 380, with an SA/D of 16.44 and 62.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2005 Contest 46CS 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 1996 Najad 380 has a comfort ratio of 20.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 38.5% for the 2005 Contest 46CS and 40.7% for the 1996 Najad 380, 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 1996 Najad 380 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 260L water and 150L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1996 Najad 380 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 2005 Contest 46CS has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2005 Contest 46CS offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.