CONTEST 40S
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 39.67 ft |
| LWL | 30.8 ft |
| Beam | 12.67 ft |
| Draft | 5.5 ft |
| Displacement | 26,000 lb |
| Ballast | 9,999.6 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.4 kn |
About the CONTEST 40S
The Contest 40S is a rare, high-performance cruising sloop designed by Dick Zaal and built by Conyplex between 1993 and 1997, with only 30 hulls produced. Its scarcity and specific build count make it a unique find in the market, distinct from more common production models of the era.
- Best for:
- This boat suits experienced coastal cruisers and short-handed sailors who prioritize performance and handling over heavy displacement comfort, given its moderate displacement of 26000.0 lb and masthead sloop rig.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 26000.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 1.71, the boat demonstrates solid offshore stability, though its fin keel and moderate comfort ratio of 40.82 suggest it is best suited for protected coastal passages rather than extreme heavy-weather ocean crossings.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Nauticat 40 and Beneteau 40, as they share similar beam dimensions (12.67 ft) and era-specific performance-oriented designs, though the Contest 40S offers a more specialized, low-volume build quality.
Direct variant of the CONTEST 40S
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
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 39.67ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
2 documented issues across 2 systems, documented on the near-identical sister model CONTEST 40. The CONTEST 40S shares its hull, rig and keel, so these findings apply.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CONTEST 40S? 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 2 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes (from sister model CONTEST 40, rig/keel differences flagged)
- ✓ 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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