2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 vs 2008 Contest 50CS — Comparison
2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1
2008 Contest 50CS
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 | 2008 Contest 50CS |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Contest |
| Year | 2019 | 2008–2018 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Netherlands |
| Designer | Groupe Finot-Conq | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 15.94 m (52.3 ft) | 15.25 m (50.0 ft) |
| LWL | 14.30 m (46.9 ft) | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) |
| Beam | 4.80 m (15.7 ft) | 4.40 m (14.4 ft) |
| Draft | 2.25 m (7.4 ft) | 2.25 m (7.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 13,500 kg (29,762 lbs) | 16,500 kg (36,376 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,800 kg (8,378 lbs) | 6,200 kg (13,669 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 108.0 m² (1,163 ft²) | 108.0 m² (1,163 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 75 HP | 110 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 450 L (118.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 400 L (105.7 gal) | 700 L (184.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 10 | 8 |
| Cabins | 5 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 and 2008 Contest 50CS represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 is a modern design by Beneteau from France, while the 2008 Contest 50CS is a 2000s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 was penned by Groupe Finot-Conq. The 2008 Contest 50CS was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 measures 15.94m (52.3ft) overall with a beam of 4.80m, compared to the 2008 Contest 50CS at 15.25m (50.0ft) with a 4.40m beam. The 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 is 0.69m longer than the 2008 Contest 50CS. The 2008 Contest 50CS displaces approximately 22% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 19.35 and 108.0 m² of sail area. The 2008 Contest 50CS, with an SA/D of 16.92 and 108.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 11.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.81). The 2008 Contest 50CS has a comfort ratio of 19.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.69. The ballast ratios are 28.2% for the 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 and 37.6% for the 2008 Contest 50CS, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 provides 10 berths in 5 cabins with 400L of water capacity and 200L of fuel. The 2008 Contest 50CS offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 700L water and 450L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2008 Contest 50CS 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 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.