The Contest Yachts 52MC Open Sport T-top 2018 vs Contest Yachts 72CS 2012 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
The Contest Yachts 72CS 2012 tops out at 225 hp. Engine specs for the Contest Yachts 52MC Open Sport T-top 2018 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Contest Yachts 72CS 2012 is rated for 21 passengers, while the Contest Yachts 52MC Open Sport T-top 2018 caps at 15. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Contest Yachts 72CS 2012 could be the deciding factor.
The Contest Yachts 72CS 2012 has a documented displacement of 97 665 lbs. Displacement data wasn't available for the other boat in this comparison.
Draft is a practical consideration that many buyers underestimate until they're already at the marina. The Contest Yachts 72CS 2012 draws 9,2 ft, compared to 2,1 ft for the Contest Yachts 52MC Open Sport T-top 2018. That 7,1-foot difference affects which anchorages you can access, which haul-out facilities will take you, and how carefully you need to read the tide tables in shallower cruising grounds.
The Contest Yachts 72CS 2012 has a documented auxiliary engine of 225 hp.
For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Contest Yachts 52MC Open Sport T-top 2018 carries 476 gallons versus 269 gallons on the Contest Yachts 72CS 2012 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Contest Yachts 72CS 2012 at 71,6 ft offers more living space, greater range, and a more substantial offshore capability. The Contest Yachts 52MC Open Sport T-top 2018 at 52,4 ft is the easier, lower-cost option — simpler to crew and a strong choice for coastal and day sailing.