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10data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this CONTEST 48CS buyer’s report

CONTEST 48CS

Conyplex🇳🇱· Design: Dick Zaal / Georg Nissen
1996–200264 built
$3.5K – $9.4K est. annual maintenance
Bluewater CruisermonoCutterFin

Specifications

Hull

LOA48.39 ft
LWL40.68 ft
Beam13.94 ft
Draft6.73 ft
Displacement33,730 lb
Ballast12,787 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL8.5 kn

About the CONTEST 48CS

Sailpages Buyer's Take

Designed by Dick Zaal and Georg Nissen and built by Conyplex, the Contest 48CS is a substantial cruising cutter with 64 hulls produced between 1996 and 2002. Its heavy displacement of 33730.0 lb and high comfort ratio of 36.29 reflect a design philosophy prioritizing seakeeping and stability over pure speed.

Best for:
This boat is ideally suited for serious coastal and offshore cruisers who value a stable, comfortable platform for long passages, particularly those seeking a cutter rig for versatile sail handling.
Bluewater capability:
With a low capsize ratio of 1.73 and a displacement of 33730.0 lb, the 48CS is well-regarded for offshore passages, offering excellent stability and motion comfort in heavy weather.
Comparables:
Comparable vessels include the Hallberg-Rassy 46 and the Hallberg-Rassy 43, as they share similar heavy-displacement characteristics, robust construction, and a focus on bluewater cruising comfort.

Performance

Comfort36.3
Capsize1.73
Disp/Len224
Bal/Disp37.9

Pricing

We don't have market pricing data for the CONTEST 48CS 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 48.39ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$3.5K – $9.4K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Annual Insurance
N/A
No price data available

Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

2 reported issues across 2 systems for the CONTEST 48CS, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

1 critical1 major
Deck1Engine1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a CONTEST 48CS? 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
  • 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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Which engine powers your CONTEST 48CS?

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Used sails that fit the CONTEST 48CS

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