CONTEST 36
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 35.92 ft |
| LWL | 28.87 ft |
| Beam | 11.15 ft |
| Draft | 4.92 ft |
| Displacement | 17,857 lb |
| Ballast | 4,078.5 lb |
| Material | 34’ 10”10.6 m |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.2 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 43.04 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 14.89 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 38.06 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 11.09 ft |
| FLforestay | 14.9 ft |
| Mainsail | 548.4 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 320.4 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 544.7 sq ft |
Accommodation
| Cabins | 2 |
| Berths | 4 |
| Heads | 1 |
| Water | 118.9 L |
| Fuel | 44.9 L |
| CE category | N/A€ |
About the CONTEST 36
Available as sloop or ketch.
Designed by Dick Zaal and built by Conyplex B.V. between 1974 and 1981, the Contest 36 is a robust cruising sloop with a production run of 90 hulls. Its substantial displacement of 17857.0 lb and comfort ratio of 35.88 reflect a design prioritizing stability and seakeeping over pure speed.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal and offshore cruisers who value a heavy, stable platform for comfortable passage-making, particularly those willing to manage the maintenance of a 1970s fiberglass hull.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low capsize ratio of 1.71 and a displacement-to-length ratio of 331.3, the Contest 36 is well-suited for offshore cruising, offering excellent stability and motion comfort in heavy weather.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other heavy-displacement European cruisers from the 1970s such as the Hallberg-Rassy 36 or Nautor's Swan 36, due to similar displacement, beam, and focus on bluewater capability.
Direct variant of the CONTEST 36
Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.
Performance
Estimated Value
Limited DataEstimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 35.92ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
14 reported issues across 8 systems for the CONTEST 36, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CONTEST 36? 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 14 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 36?
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Used sails that fit the CONTEST 36
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