2005 Contest 46CS vs 2005 Najad 460 — Comparison
2005 Contest 46CS
2005 Najad 460
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2005 Contest 46CS | 2005 Najad 460 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Najad |
| Year | 2005–2015 | 2005–2013 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | Sweden |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Judel/Vrolijk |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 14.10 m (46.3 ft) | 14.10 m (46.3 ft) |
| LWL | 11.60 m (38.1 ft) | 11.80 m (38.7 ft) |
| Beam | 4.15 m (13.6 ft) | 4.20 m (13.8 ft) |
| Draft | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) | 2.15 m (7.1 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 13,500 kg (29,762 lbs) | 13,500 kg (29,762 lbs) |
| Ballast | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 93.0 m² (1,001 ft²) | 97.0 m² (1,044 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 75 HP | 100 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 350 L (92.5 gal) | 320 L (84.5 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 550 L (145.3 gal) | 560 L (147.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2005 Contest 46CS and 2005 Najad 460 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2005 Contest 46CS is a 2000s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 2005 Najad 460 is a 2000s offering from Najad from Sweden. The 2005 Contest 46CS was penned by Dick Zaal. The 2005 Najad 460 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 2005 Najad 460 at 14.10m (46.3ft) with a 4.20m beam.
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 2005 Najad 460, with an SA/D of 17.38 and 97.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2005 Najad 460 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 2005 Najad 460 has a comfort ratio of 19.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 38.5% for the 2005 Contest 46CS and 38.5% for the 2005 Najad 460, 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 2005 Najad 460 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 560L water and 320L 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 2005 Najad 460 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.