2015 Contest 62CS vs 2014 Oyster 625 — Comparison

2015 Contest 62CS 2015 Contest 62CS
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2014 Oyster 625 2014 Oyster 625

Specifications Side by Side

Specification 2015 Contest 62CS 2014 Oyster 625
General
Manufacturer Contest Oyster
Year 2015 2014–2020
Type Sloop Sloop
Country Netherlands UK
Designer Dick Zaal Rob Humphreys
Dimensions
LOA 18.90 m (62.0 ft) 19.20 m (63.0 ft)
LWL 16.00 m (52.5 ft) 16.50 m (54.1 ft)
Beam 5.10 m (16.7 ft) 5.30 m (17.4 ft)
Draft 2.60 m (8.5 ft) 2.40 m (7.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement 27,000 kg (59,525 lbs) 32,000 kg (70,548 lbs)
Ballast 10,000 kg (22,046 lbs) 12,000 kg (26,455 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area 152.0 m² (1,636 ft²) 175.0 m² (1,884 ft²)
Hull Material Steel Fiberglass
Keel Type Fin Fin
Engine & Tanks
Engine 200 HP 180 HP
Fuel Capacity 800 L (211.3 gal) 800 L (211.3 gal)
Water Capacity 1200 L (317.0 gal) 1200 L (317.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths 8 8
Cabins 4 4

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2015 Contest 62CS
17.15
2014 Oyster 625
17.63
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2015 Contest 62CS
37.04
2014 Oyster 625
37.50
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2015 Contest 62CS
0.68
2014 Oyster 625
0.67
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2015 Contest 62CS
16.64
2014 Oyster 625
17.79

Detailed Comparison

The 2015 Contest 62CS and 2014 Oyster 625 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2015 Contest 62CS is a modern design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 2014 Oyster 625 is a modern offering from Oyster from UK. The 2015 Contest 62CS was penned by Dick Zaal. The 2014 Oyster 625 was designed by Rob Humphreys.

In terms of size, the 2015 Contest 62CS measures 18.90m (62.0ft) overall with a beam of 5.10m, compared to the 2014 Oyster 625 at 19.20m (63.0ft) with a 5.30m beam. The 2014 Oyster 625 is 0.30m longer than the 2015 Contest 62CS. The 2014 Oyster 625 displaces approximately 19% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2015 Contest 62CS has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.15 and 152.0 m² of sail area. The 2014 Oyster 625, with an SA/D of 17.63 and 175.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2014 Oyster 625 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2015 Contest 62CS offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.68). The 2014 Oyster 625 has a comfort ratio of 17.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.67. The ballast ratios are 37.0% for the 2015 Contest 62CS and 37.5% for the 2014 Oyster 625, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2015 Contest 62CS provides 8 berths in 4 cabins with 1200L of water capacity and 800L of fuel. The 2014 Oyster 625 offers 8 berths in 4 cabins with 1200L water and 800L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2014 Oyster 625 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 2014 Oyster 625 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.

Compare Different Boats

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