CONTEST 27
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 27.33 ft |
| LWL | 21.65 ft |
| Beam | 8.9 ft |
| Draft | 4.04 ft |
| Displacement | 5,180 lb |
| Ballast | 2,424.8 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.2 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 34.1 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 11.4 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 29.5 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 10.3 ft |
| FLforestay | 11.4 ft |
| Mainsail | 358.4 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 194.4 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 330.4 sq ft |
About the CONTEST 27
Designed by Dick Zaal and built by Coniplex from 1969–1975, the Contest 27 is a compact masthead sloop with 207 hulls produced. It offers a balanced blend of performance and comfort, characterized by a displacement of 5180.0 lb and a comfort ratio of 18.64.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize a manageable 27.33 ft LOA and a fin keel with 4.04 ft max draft for access to shallow harbors.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 2.06 and a D/L ratio of 227.88, the boat is moderately stable but best suited for protected coastal waters rather than extended offshore passages due to its light displacement.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other late-60s/early-70s European performance cruisers like the O'Day 27 or Pearson 26, it shares similar dimensions and a focus on efficient sailing over heavy displacement.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the CONTEST 27 yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 27.33ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
6 reported issues across 5 systems for the CONTEST 27, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CONTEST 27? 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 6 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 CONTEST 27?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Universal, Kubota, Yanmar, Atomic 4 — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the CONTEST 27
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…