CONTEST 46
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 46.42 ft |
| LWL | 38.92 ft |
| Beam | 13.75 ft |
| Draft | 6.42 ft |
| Displacement | 33,960 lb |
| Ballast | 13,668.9 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 8.4 kn |
About the CONTEST 46
Designed by Dick Zaal and built by Conyplex, the Contest 46 is a substantial cruising sloop with 55 hulls produced between 1987 and 1996. Its heavy displacement of 33960.0 lb and high comfort ratio of 38.86 reflect a design prioritizing stability and seakeeping over speed.
- Best for:
- This boat suits experienced coastal and offshore cruisers who value interior volume and heavy-weather stability, particularly those willing to manage the maintenance of a large, complex vessel.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 33960.0 lb, a capsize ratio of 1.7, and a fin keel, the Contest 46 is well-suited for offshore passages, though owners report significant modifications like bow thrusters and watermakers to enhance long-range cruising comfort.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other heavy-displacement European cruisers from the late 1980s and 1990s, such as the Hallberg-Rassy 46 or Nautor's Swan 46, due to similar build quality, displacement, and focus on bluewater capability.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(1 certificate)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 4.7 | 5.6 | 6.3 | 6.9 | 7.3 | 7.5 | 7.6 |
| 60° | 5.1 | 6.0 | 6.7 | 7.3 | 7.6 | 7.8 | 7.9 |
| 75° | 5.3 | 6.3 | 7.0 | 7.5 | 7.8 | 8.0 | 8.3 |
| 90° | 5.3 | 6.3 | 7.3 | 7.8 | 8.0 | 8.1 | 8.4 |
| 110° | 5.4 | 6.6 | 7.5 | 8.0 | 8.3 | 8.5 | 8.8 |
| 120° | 5.3 | 6.4 | 7.4 | 7.9 | 8.2 | 8.5 | 9.0 |
| 135° | 4.8 | 5.9 | 6.8 | 7.6 | 8.0 | 8.3 | 8.9 |
| 150° | 4.0 | 5.1 | 6.0 | 6.9 | 7.6 | 8.0 | 8.5 |
| Beat VMG | 3.0 | 3.6 | 4.1 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.9 | 5.0 |
| Run VMG | 3.5 | 4.4 | 5.3 | 6.0 | 6.7 | 7.3 | 8.1 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the CONTEST 46 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 46.42ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
6 reported issues across 5 systems for the CONTEST 46, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CONTEST 46? 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
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