CONTEST 34
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 34 ft |
| LWL | 27.58 ft |
| Beam | 11.16 ft |
| Draft | 5.42 ft |
| Displacement | 16,315 lb |
| Ballast | 7,054.6 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.0 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 41 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 13 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 36 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 12.06 ft |
| FLforestay | 13 ft |
| Mainsail | 500.9 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 266.5 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 453.1 sq ft |
About the CONTEST 34
Designed by Dick Zaal and built by Conyplex, the Contest 34 is a robust cruising sloop with a production run of 84 hulls constructed between 1976 and 1980. This data-driven synthesis highlights a well-maintained fleet with significant owner investment in modern electronics and sail inventory.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and offshore adventurers who value a heavy-displacement, comfortable motion, as evidenced by its high comfort ratio and substantial ballast.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 16315.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 1.76, the Contest 34 is well-suited for bluewater cruising, offering stability and safety in heavy weather.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other heavy-displacement European cruisers from the late 1970s, such as the Hallberg-Rassy 34 or the Oyster 34, due to similar build quality, fin keel design, and focus on offshore capability over pure speed.
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 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 3.9 | 4.6 | 5.2 | 5.7 | 6.2 | 6.4 | 6.5 |
| 60° | 4.2 | 4.9 | 5.6 | 6.1 | 6.4 | 6.6 | 6.8 |
| 75° | 4.4 | 5.2 | 5.9 | 6.3 | 6.6 | 6.8 | 7.1 |
| 90° | 4.3 | 5.1 | 5.8 | 6.3 | 6.6 | 6.8 | 7.2 |
| 110° | 3.9 | 4.8 | 5.5 | 6.1 | 6.5 | 6.7 | 7.1 |
| 120° | 3.6 | 4.5 | 5.2 | 5.9 | 6.4 | 6.7 | 7.1 |
| 135° | 3.2 | 4.2 | 4.9 | 5.5 | 6.1 | 6.5 | 6.9 |
| 150° | 2.9 | 3.8 | 4.5 | 5.1 | 5.7 | 6.2 | 6.8 |
| Beat VMG | 2.5 | 3.0 | 3.4 | 3.7 | 4.0 | 4.2 | 4.3 |
| Run VMG | 2.6 | 3.4 | 4.1 | 4.8 | 5.3 | 5.9 | 6.6 |
Estimated Value
Limited DataEstimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 34ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
8 reported issues across 6 systems for the CONTEST 34, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CONTEST 34? 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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Which engine powers your CONTEST 34?
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Used sails that fit the CONTEST 34
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