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Contest 34S
Designer: Dick Zaal  ·  Builder: Conyplex  ·  First built: 1986
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About the Contest 34S

Built during a brief two-year production run from 1986-1987, this rare Dutch cruiser represents Contest's commitment to quality construction and seaworthy design. With only six hulls ever produced by Conyplex to Dick Zaal's specifications, the 34S stands as an exclusive example of European cruising yacht craftsmanship from the mid-1980s. The yacht's substantial displacement of nearly 17,000 pounds, combined with 6,900 pounds of ballast and a fin keel with rudder on skeg configuration, creates a stable platform well-suited for serious coastal and offshore cruising. Her comfort ratio of 37.12 indicates a motion that favors seakindliness over speed, while the capsize screening value of 1.71 falls within acceptable parameters for blue water sailing. At 33.5 feet overall with an 11-foot beam, the 34S offers a practical balance of interior volume and manageable size for a cruising couple. The masthead sloop rig provides straightforward sail handling, while the fiberglass construction ensures durability and lower maintenance compared to traditional materials. Though not designed for racing, this yacht excels as a comfortable, capable cruiser for those seeking Dutch build quality and sea-keeping ability in a distinctive, limited-production package.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 33.50 ft / 10.21 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 27.08 ft / 8.25 m
Beam 11.00 ft / 3.35 m
Max Draft 5.42 ft / 1.65 m
Displacement 16,986.00 lb / 7,705 kg
Ballast 6,900.00 lb / 3,130 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Dick Zaal
Builder Conyplex
First Built 1986
Last Built 1987
Number Built 6
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Performance Ratios
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
40.62
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
381.85
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
37.12
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
1.71
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 6.97 kn
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. 1,064.36 pounds/inch
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