CONTESSA 43
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 42.75 ft |
| LWL | 34.33 ft |
| Beam | 12.5 ft |
| Draft | 7.25 ft |
| Displacement | 21,000 lb |
| Ballast | 10,800.3 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.9 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 57 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 18.33 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 51.5 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 13.75 ft |
| FLforestay | 18.3 ft |
| Mainsail | 904.8 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 522.4 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 888.1 sq ft |
About the CONTESSA 43
Available as a flush deck racer or cruiser-racer with coach roof. Thanks to original builders, Jeremy Rogers Ltd., for supplying updated information on this yacht.
The Contessa 43 is a heavy-displacement cruising sloop designed by Doug Peterson and built by Jeremy Rogers in the UK, with production records indicating a build year of 1977. With a displacement of 21000.0 lb and a D/L ratio of 231.71, this vessel is engineered for stability and comfort rather than speed, featuring a fin keel and masthead sloop rig.
- Best for:
- This boat is ideally suited for serious coastal and offshore cruisers who prioritize seakeeping and comfort over planing performance, particularly those seeking a robust platform for long-range voyaging.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.82 and a comfort ratio of 30.47, the Contessa 43 is highly capable offshore, offering exceptional stability and motion comfort in heavy weather conditions.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include the Hallberg-Rassy 43 and the Tartan 43, as they share similar heavy displacement characteristics, fin keel configurations, and a focus on safe, comfortable offshore cruising from the same era.
Performance
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 42.75ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
5 reported issues across 4 systems for the CONTESSA 43, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CONTESSA 43? 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
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your CONTESSA 43?
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Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the CONTESSA 43
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…