CONTEST 38S
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 37.25 ft |
| LWL | 29.83 ft |
| Beam | 12 ft |
| Draft | 6.42 ft |
| Displacement | 19,285 lb |
| Ballast | 7,592.5 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.3 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 44.2 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 13.5 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 39 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 12.3 ft |
| FLforestay | 13.5 ft |
| Mainsail | 557.4 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 298.4 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 507.2 sq ft |
About the CONTEST 38S
Draft for wing keel version: 4.5'/1.4m
Designed by Dick Zaal and built by Conyplex from 1980–1992, the Contest 38S is a robust masthead ketch with 90 hulls produced. It is characterized by a heavy displacement of 19285.0 lb and a beam of 12.0 ft, reflecting its pedigree as a serious offshore cruiser.
- Best for:
- This boat suits experienced coastal and offshore cruisers who prioritize seakeeping and comfort over high-speed planing, particularly those seeking a stable platform for long-range passages.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 19285.0 lb, a capsize ratio of 1.79, and a comfort ratio of 33.97, the 38S is well-suited for bluewater cruising, offering excellent stability and motion comfort in heavy weather.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other heavy-displacement ketches from the 1980s such as the Hallberg-Rassy 38 or the Oyster 38, due to similar build quality, displacement ratios, and offshore-oriented hull forms.
Performance
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
5 listings · boat years 1988–1992 · median $66,000
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 37.25ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
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Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
11 reported issues across 7 systems for the CONTEST 38S, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CONTEST 38S? 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 11 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 38S
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