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19data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this CONTEST 55CS buyer’s report
CONTEST 55CS

CONTEST 55CS

Conyplex🇳🇱· Design: Georg Nissen
$532,328 avg$505,104 – $583,730 (3 listings)1998–201126 built
$4.3K – $11K est. annual maintenance
Bluewater CruisermonoCutterFin

Specifications

Hull

LOA54.95 ft
LWL44.45 ft
Beam15.26 ft
Draft6.4 ft
Displacement54,675 lb
Ballast19,557.2 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL8.9 kn

About the CONTEST 55CS

Sailpages Buyer's Take

The Contest 55CS is a robust, heavy-displacement cruising yacht designed by Georg Nissen and built by Conyplex between 1998 and 2011. With a production run of only 26 hulls, this rare vessel combines classic Scandinavian design with substantial build quality, appealing to owners seeking a serious offshore platform.

Best for:
This boat is ideally suited for experienced coastal and offshore cruisers who prioritize seakeeping and comfort over high-speed performance. Its cutter rig and substantial displacement make it particularly well-matched for couples or small families planning extended bluewater passages.
Bluewater capability:
With a displacement of 54675.0 lb and a low capsize ratio of 1.61, the Contest 55CS is inherently stable and well-suited for offshore passages, supported by owner reports of reliable performance in heavy weather.
Comparables:
Comparable vessels include the Hallberg-Rassy 53 and the Swan 53, as they share similar heavy displacement, fin keel configurations, and a focus on safe, comfortable offshore cruising. The Contest 55CS distinguishes itself with its specific cutter rig layout and Scandinavian build heritage.

Performance

Comfort47.1
Capsize1.61
SA/Disp19.4
Disp/Len278
Bal/Disp35.8

Estimated Value

Limited Data
Based on 2 listings
Low
$462,728
Estimated Value
$479,317
High
$495,906
Inflation-adjusted to 2026 USD

Estimated Cost of Ownership

Based on 54.95ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$4.3K – $11K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Annual Insurance
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Articles & Reviews

Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

4 reported issues across 4 systems for the CONTEST 55CS, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

2 critical1 major1 minor
Deck1Rudder1Engine1Keel1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a CONTEST 55CS? 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 4 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 55CS?

We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.

Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar — is it one of these?

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Used sails that fit the CONTEST 55CS

Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…