2005 Contest 46CS vs 2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47 — Comparison
2005 Contest 46CS
2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2005 Contest 46CS | 2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Wauquiez |
| Year | 2005–2015 | 2008–2016 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | France |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Jean Berret |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 14.10 m (46.3 ft) | 14.33 m (47.0 ft) |
| LWL | 11.60 m (38.1 ft) | 12.00 m (39.4 ft) |
| Beam | 4.15 m (13.6 ft) | 4.20 m (13.8 ft) |
| Draft | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 13,500 kg (29,762 lbs) | 12,500 kg (27,558 lbs) |
| Ballast | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) | 4,800 kg (10,582 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 93.0 m² (1,001 ft²) | 92.0 m² (990 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 75 HP | 100 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 350 L (92.5 gal) | 280 L (74.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 550 L (145.3 gal) | 500 L (132.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2005 Contest 46CS and 2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2005 Contest 46CS is a 2000s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47 is a 2000s offering from Wauquiez from France. The 2005 Contest 46CS was penned by Dick Zaal. The 2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47 was designed by Jean Berret.
In terms of size, the 2005 Contest 46CS measures 14.10m (46.3ft) overall with a beam of 4.15m, compared to the 2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47 at 14.33m (47.0ft) with a 4.20m beam. The 2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47 is 0.23m longer than the 2005 Contest 46CS. The 2005 Contest 46CS displaces approximately 8% 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 2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47, with an SA/D of 17.35 and 92.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47 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 2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47 has a comfort ratio of 17.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 38.5% for the 2005 Contest 46CS and 38.4% for the 2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47, 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 2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 500L water and 280L 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 2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47 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.