CONTEST 40
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 39.75 ft |
| LWL | 30.58 ft |
| Beam | 12.67 ft |
| Draft | 5.92 ft |
| Displacement | 25,297 lb |
| Ballast | 9,122.1 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.4 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 43.67 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 14.41 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 42 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 13.25 ft |
About the CONTEST 40
The Contest 40 is a rare, heavy-displacement cruising sloop designed by Dick Zaal and built by Conyplex between 1979 and 1983, with only 14 hulls produced. Its substantial displacement of 25297.0 lb and high comfort ratio of 39.87 indicate a vessel designed for stable, seakindly offshore performance rather than speed.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for experienced bluewater cruisers who prioritize comfort and stability over planing speed, particularly those seeking a robust platform for long-range coastal or offshore passages.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 25297.0 lb, a capsize ratio of 1.73, and a fin keel, the Contest 40 is well-suited for offshore cruising, offering excellent stability and motion comfort in heavy weather.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include the Hallberg-Rassy 42 and the Oyster 435, as they share similar heavy displacement characteristics, fin keels, and a focus on safe, comfortable offshore cruising.
Direct variant of the CONTEST 40
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
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the CONTEST 40 yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 39.75ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
6 reported issues across 6 systems for the CONTEST 40, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CONTEST 40? 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 6 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 40?
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Used sails that fit the CONTEST 40
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…