CONTEST 35S
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 34.58 ft |
| LWL | 28.58 ft |
| Beam | 11.17 ft |
| Draft | 5.75 ft |
| Displacement | 13,040 lb |
| Ballast | 5,513.3 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.2 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 43.96 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 19.78 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 38.22 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 11.65 ft |
| FLforestay | 19.8 ft |
| Mainsail | 675.2 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 434.8 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 739.1 sq ft |
About the CONTEST 35S
Wing Keel version draft:4.42'.
Designed by Dick Zaal and built by Conyplex, the Contest 35S is a rare and specialized vessel with only 42 hulls constructed between 1988 and 1998. Its limited production run and specific design lineage make it a distinct offering in the late-80s to late-90s market.
- Best for:
- This boat suits owners seeking a robust, heavy-displacement cruiser with a proven track record, particularly those who value the reliability of Yanmar engines which dominate the fleet with 27 reported installations.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 13040.0 lb, a capsize ratio of 1.9, and a comfort ratio of 26.66, the Contest 35S exhibits strong offshore credentials suitable for serious bluewater cruising.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other heavy-displacement European cruisers from the same era, such as the Hallberg-Rassy 35 or Nauticat 36, due to its similar displacement of 13040.0 lb and focus on seakworthiness over pure speed.
Performance
Estimated Value
Limited DataEstimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 34.58ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
3 reported issues across 2 systems for the CONTEST 35S, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CONTEST 35S? 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 3 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 35S?
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: Yanmar, Westerbeke, Perkins, Kubota — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the CONTEST 35S
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…