CONTEST 42CS
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 44.95 ft |
| LWL | 38.19 ft |
| Beam | 13.45 ft |
| Draft | 6.4 ft |
| Displacement | 29,762 lb |
| Ballast | 11,244.1 lb |
| Material | 42’ 2”12.85 m |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 8.3 kn |
Rig & Sails
| SA total | 581.25 sq ft |
Accommodation
| Cabins | 2 |
| Berths | 4 |
| Heads | 1 |
| Water | 100.6 L |
| Fuel | 23.2 L |
| CE category | N/A€ |
About the CONTEST 42CS
Main sail area: 54m2/581 ft2 Genoa 109% area: 49m2/527 ft2 A number of different interior layouts (besides the one shown here) available.
The Contest 42CS is a fractional sloop designed by Georg Nissen and built by Contest Yachts, with production records indicating a build year of 2013. As a modern performance cruiser, it combines a 29762.0 lb displacement with a 13.45 ft beam, reflecting the brand's legacy of robust construction and refined sailing characteristics.
- Best for:
- This vessel is best suited for experienced coastal cruisers and performance-oriented sailors who prioritize speed and handling, as evidenced by the high prevalence of performance sailmakers like North Sails and racing-oriented rigging components such as Harken and Selden.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.74 and a displacement of 29762.0 lb, the 42CS offers solid offshore stability, though its relatively low comfort ratio of 35.9 suggests it is designed for performance rather than heavy-weather motion comfort.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Nauticat 42 and the Beneteau First 42, as they share similar fractional sloop rigs, displacement ranges, and a focus on performance cruising from the same era, though the Contest distinguishes itself with its specific Georg Nissen hull form.
Direct variant of the CONTEST 42CS
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 44.95ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
1 reported issues across 1 systems for the CONTEST 42CS, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CONTEST 42CS? 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 1 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 42CS?
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Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the CONTEST 42CS
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…