CONTEST 50CS
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 49.18 ft |
| LWL | 42.32 ft |
| Beam | 15.03 ft |
| Draft | 7.05 ft |
| Displacement | 38,580 lb |
| Ballast | 13,445.1 lb |
| Material | 49’ 2”14.99 m |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 8.7 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Mainsail | 723.33 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 615.7 sq ft |
Accommodation
| Cabins | 2 |
| Berths | 4 |
| Heads | 2 |
| Water | 189.7 L |
| Fuel | 149 L |
| CE category | N/A€ |
About the CONTEST 50CS
Optional winged keel draft: 1.95m / 6.4ft Sail area: - Main: 67.2 m² / 723.33 ft² - Genoa: 57.2 m² / 615.7 ft²
Designed by George Nissen and built by Contest Yachts from 2003–2019, the Contest 50CS is a low-production vessel with only 53 hulls constructed. This limited run highlights its status as a specialized, high-quality cruising yacht rather than a mass-market production model.
- Best for:
- This boat suits experienced coastal and offshore cruisers who prioritize a comfortable, stable platform with a fractional sloop rig and substantial displacement. It is well-suited for couples or small families seeking a robust bluewater cruiser with ample interior volume and proven seaworthiness.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 38580.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 1.78, the 50CS exhibits strong offshore stability and seakeeping abilities. Its fin keel and fractional sloop rig provide a balanced mix of performance and safety for extended passages.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Hallberg-Rassy 462 and the Swan 46, which share similar displacement, beam, and offshore-oriented design philosophies. These vessels offer similar performance characteristics and build quality, appealing to buyers seeking serious cruising capability.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(1 certificate)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 3.9 | 5.4 | 6.5 | 7.3 | 7.8 | 8.2 | 8.3 | 8.5 | 8.5 |
| 60° | 4.3 | 5.8 | 6.8 | 7.6 | 8.2 | 8.5 | 8.7 | 8.8 | 8.9 |
| 75° | 4.5 | 6.0 | 7.2 | 8.0 | 8.4 | 8.8 | 9.0 | 9.3 | 9.4 |
| 90° | 4.7 | 6.4 | 7.6 | 8.4 | 8.8 | 9.1 | 9.3 | 9.5 | 9.8 |
| 110° | 4.6 | 6.3 | 7.5 | 8.4 | 9.0 | 9.3 | 9.7 | 10.2 | 10.6 |
| 120° | 4.3 | 6.0 | 7.3 | 8.3 | 8.9 | 9.3 | 9.7 | 10.4 | 10.9 |
| 135° | 3.8 | 5.3 | 6.6 | 7.7 | 8.5 | 9.0 | 9.4 | 10.2 | 11.0 |
| 150° | 3.1 | 4.5 | 5.7 | 6.7 | 7.6 | 8.3 | 8.8 | 9.5 | 10.2 |
| Beat VMG | 2.4 | 3.4 | 4.2 | 4.8 | 5.2 | 5.5 | 5.6 | 5.7 | 5.7 |
| Run VMG | 2.7 | 3.9 | 4.9 | 5.8 | 6.6 | 7.2 | 7.7 | 8.6 | 9.2 |
Estimated Value
Limited DataEstimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 49.18ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
5 reported issues across 4 systems for the CONTEST 50CS, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CONTEST 50CS? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 5 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
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