2012 Contest 55CS vs 2001 Oyster 53 — Comparison
2012 Contest 55CS
2001 Oyster 53
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2012 Contest 55CS | 2001 Oyster 53 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Oyster |
| Year | 2012 | 2001–2008 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | UK |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Rob Humphreys |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 16.80 m (55.1 ft) | 16.23 m (53.2 ft) |
| LWL | 14.00 m (45.9 ft) | 13.26 m (43.5 ft) |
| Beam | 4.65 m (15.3 ft) | 4.60 m (15.1 ft) |
| Draft | 2.40 m (7.9 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 20,000 kg (44,092 lbs) | 20,500 kg (45,195 lbs) |
| Ballast | 7,500 kg (16,535 lbs) | 8,200 kg (18,078 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 125.0 m² (1,346 ft²) | 120.0 m² (1,292 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 150 HP | 110 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 600 L (158.5 gal) | 500 L (132.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 900 L (237.8 gal) | 700 L (184.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 8 |
| Cabins | 4 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2012 Contest 55CS and 2001 Oyster 53 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2012 Contest 55CS is a modern design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 2001 Oyster 53 is a 2000s offering from Oyster from UK. The 2012 Contest 55CS was penned by Dick Zaal. The 2001 Oyster 53 was designed by Rob Humphreys.
In terms of size, the 2012 Contest 55CS measures 16.80m (55.1ft) overall with a beam of 4.65m, compared to the 2001 Oyster 53 at 16.23m (53.2ft) with a 4.60m beam. The 2012 Contest 55CS is 0.57m longer than the 2001 Oyster 53. The 2001 Oyster 53 displaces approximately 3% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2012 Contest 55CS has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.23 and 125.0 m² of sail area. The 2001 Oyster 53, with an SA/D of 16.27 and 120.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2012 Contest 55CS has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2012 Contest 55CS offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.69). The 2001 Oyster 53 has a comfort ratio of 20.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.67. The ballast ratios are 37.5% for the 2012 Contest 55CS and 40.0% for the 2001 Oyster 53, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2012 Contest 55CS provides 8 berths in 4 cabins with 900L of water capacity and 600L of fuel. The 2001 Oyster 53 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 700L water and 500L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2001 Oyster 53 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 2012 Contest 55CS 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.