Back to Search

Contessa 43

Designer: Doug Peterson  ·  Builder: Jeremy Rogers (Uk)  ·  First built: 1977
+ Add to Compare
About the Contessa 43

Building on the legendary reputation of the smaller Contessa models, this 43-footer represents a significant step up in size and capability from Jeremy Rogers' renowned boatyard. The Contessa line has long been celebrated for producing exceptionally seaworthy vessels that punch above their weight in both racing and cruising applications. This larger iteration maintains the distinctive characteristics that made the Contessa name famous among serious sailors. The design philosophy emphasizes robust construction and balanced performance, creating a boat equally at home navigating challenging coastal waters or undertaking extended offshore passages. The hull form typically delivers the trademark Contessa combination of reasonable speed with exceptional stability and comfort in heavy weather conditions. While detailed specifications remain limited, the 43-foot length suggests accommodations suitable for extended cruising with family or crew, while retaining the responsive handling characteristics that have made smaller Contessa models popular in competitive sailing circles. The boat's pedigree indicates it would appeal to experienced sailors seeking a versatile platform capable of serious offshore work without sacrificing the refined sailing qualities that define the Contessa heritage. This model represents an intriguing option for those wanting proven design principles scaled up for ambitious cruising plans.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 42.75 ft / 13.03 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 34.33 ft / 10.46 m
Beam 12.50 ft / 3.81 m
Max Draft 7.25 ft / 2.21 m
Displacement 21,000.00 lb / 9,525 kg
Ballast 10,800.00 lb / 4,899 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Doug Peterson
Builder Jeremy Rogers (UK)
First Built 1977
Owner Reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.

Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
69
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
51.43
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
231.71
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 9.2 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 18.49
J (Foretriangle Base) 18.33 ft / 5.59 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 876.00 ft² / 81.38 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) Seapanther
Engine & Accommodations
Horsepower 30
Fuel Capacity 20 gals / 76 L
Water Capacity 70 gals / 265 L
How It Compares

vs. Contest 43, First 42 Beneteau, Hinckley 43 Hood, Swan 43 Ss, Swan 432

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Contessa 43 ★
42.8 ft
Contest 43
42.7 ft
First 42 Beneteau
42.9 ft
Hinckley 43 Hood
42.8 ft
Swan 43 Ss
42.8 ft
Swan 432
43.0 ft
LWL
Contessa 43 ★
34.3 ft
Contest 43
36.3 ft
First 42 Beneteau
36.0 ft
Hinckley 43 Hood
33.8 ft
Swan 43 Ss
31.0 ft
Swan 432
34.1 ft
Beam
Contessa 43 ★
12.5 ft
Contest 43
13.1 ft
First 42 Beneteau
13.1 ft
Hinckley 43 Hood
12.3 ft
Swan 43 Ss
11.7 ft
Swan 432
13.1 ft
Displacement
Contessa 43 ★
21 lbs
Contest 43
26 lbs
First 42 Beneteau
18 lbs
Hinckley 43 Hood
25 lbs
Swan 43 Ss
19 lbs
Swan 432
19 lbs
Ballast
Contessa 43 ★
10 lbs
Contest 43
10 lbs
First 42 Beneteau
8 lbs
Hinckley 43 Hood
11 lbs
Swan 43 Ss
10 lbs
Swan 432
9 lbs
Sail Area
Contessa 43 ★
Contest 43
880 sq ft
First 42 Beneteau
782 sq ft
Hinckley 43 Hood
886 sq ft
Swan 43 Ss
825 sq ft
Swan 432
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Contessa 43 ★
69 s/nm
Contest 43
First 42 Beneteau
Hinckley 43 Hood
105 s/nm
Swan 43 Ss
102 s/nm
Swan 432
99 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Contessa 43 ★
Contest 43
16.1
First 42 Beneteau
17.8
Hinckley 43 Hood
16.4
Swan 43 Ss
18.1
Swan 432
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Contessa 43 ★
51.4 %
Contest 43
40.0 %
First 42 Beneteau
47.1 %
Hinckley 43 Hood
45.1 %
Swan 43 Ss
Swan 432
46.4 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Contessa 43 ★
Contest 43
34.2
First 42 Beneteau
24.8
Hinckley 43 Hood
38.0
Swan 43 Ss
33.7
Swan 432
26.6
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Contessa 43 ★
Contest 43
1.78
First 42 Beneteau
1.97
Hinckley 43 Hood
1.68
Swan 43 Ss
1.73
Swan 432
1.95
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Contessa 43 ★
231
Contest 43
243
First 42 Beneteau
179
Hinckley 43 Hood
294
Swan 43 Ss
Swan 432
219
Hull Speed
Contessa 43 ★
Contest 43
8.1 kts
First 42 Beneteau
8.0 kts
Hinckley 43 Hood
7.8 kts
Swan 43 Ss
7.5 kts
Swan 432
7.8 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Contessa 43 ★
Contest 43
First 42 Beneteau
3.1
Hinckley 43 Hood
1.8
Swan 43 Ss
1.8
Swan 432
Find a Contessa 43 For Sale