CONTEST 31 HT
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 31.17 ft |
| LWL | 25.33 ft |
| Beam | 10.33 ft |
| Draft | 5.74 ft |
| Displacement | 10,512 lb |
| Ballast | 4,966.9 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.7 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 39.67 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 13.38 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 34.28 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 9.68 ft |
| FLforestay | 13.4 ft |
| Mainsail | 444.6 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 265.4 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 451.2 sq ft |
About the CONTEST 31 HT
Shallow draft: 4.76'/1.45m
Designed by Dick Zaal and built by Conyplex, the Contest 31 HT is a classic cruising sloop with a production run of 252 hulls from 1972–1983. Its substantial displacement of 10512.0 lb and comfort ratio of 26.75 reflect a design prioritizing seakeeping and stability over pure speed.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and those seeking a comfortable, stable platform for weekend trips or short offshore passages, particularly those who value a spacious interior and proven durability.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.89 and a displacement of 10512.0 lb, the boat is capable of offshore cruising, though its fin keel and moderate draft of 5.74 ft suggest it is best suited for protected waters rather than extreme heavy-weather voyaging.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Cal 31 and O'Day 32, which share similar beam dimensions and displacement characteristics, offering comparable interior volume and cruising comfort from the same era.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(2 certificates)
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° | 3.2 | 4.3 | 5.0 | 5.6 | 5.9 | 6.1 | 6.2 | 6.2 | 6.2 |
| 60° | 3.4 | 4.5 | 5.3 | 5.8 | 6.1 | 6.2 | 6.3 | 6.4 | 6.4 |
| 75° | 3.5 | 4.7 | 5.5 | 6.0 | 6.3 | 6.4 | 6.6 | 6.7 | 6.8 |
| 90° | 3.6 | 4.9 | 5.8 | 6.2 | 6.5 | 6.7 | 6.8 | 6.9 | 7.0 |
| 110° | 3.6 | 4.9 | 5.8 | 6.3 | 6.6 | 6.9 | 7.1 | 7.4 | 7.7 |
| 120° | 3.4 | 4.7 | 5.7 | 6.3 | 6.6 | 6.9 | 7.1 | 7.6 | 7.9 |
| 135° | 3.1 | 4.3 | 5.3 | 6.1 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 7.1 | 7.6 | 8.1 |
| 150° | 2.6 | 3.7 | 4.7 | 5.6 | 6.2 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 7.3 | 7.9 |
| Beat VMG | 2.0 | 2.8 | 3.4 | 3.8 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.1 |
| Run VMG | 2.2 | 3.2 | 4.1 | 4.8 | 5.5 | 6.0 | 6.3 | 6.9 | 7.3 |
Estimated Value
Limited DataEstimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 31.17ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
8 reported issues across 5 systems for the CONTEST 31 HT, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CONTEST 31 HT? 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 8 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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Used sails that fit the CONTEST 31 HT
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