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Contest 37
Designer: Dick Zaal  ·  Builder: Contest Yachts  ·  First built: 1995
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About the Contest 37

Built during Contest Yachts' golden era of the mid-1990s, this Dutch-designed cruiser represents the shipyard's commitment to quality construction and seaworthy performance. Designer Dick Zaal created a balanced platform that excels in both coastal and offshore sailing, with proportions that favor comfort and stability over outright speed. With only 16 hulls completed between 1995 and 1997, the Contest 37 remains a relatively rare find on the market. The masthead sloop configuration and moderate displacement make it well-suited for serious cruising couples or small families who prioritize build quality and sea-keeping ability. The fin keel with rudder mounted on a skeg provides good directional stability while maintaining reasonable performance. Contest's reputation for exceptional fiberglass construction and attention to detail shines through in this model. The comfort ratio of 36.03 indicates a motion that's easy on crew during extended passages, while the capsize screening value of 1.74 suggests good stability characteristics for offshore work. The substantial ballast-to-displacement ratio contributes to confident handling in challenging conditions. This yacht appeals to sailors seeking a well-built European cruiser with the pedigree and craftsmanship that Contest Yachts is renowned for delivering.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 37.66 ft / 11.48 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 31.14 ft / 9.49 m
Beam 11.98 ft / 3.65 m
Max Draft 6.73 ft / 2.05 m
Displacement 21,059.00 lb / 9,552 kg
Ballast 6,393.00 lb / 2,900 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 840.66 ft² / 78.10 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Dick Zaal
Builder Contest Yachts
First Built 1995
Last Built 1997
Number Built 16
Related Sailboats ["Najad 371" · "Centurion 38" · "Dufour Classic 38" · "Cr 380 Ds" · "Opium 39"]
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Known Issues & What to Watch For

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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 17.71
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
 30.36
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
 311.48
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
 36.03
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
 1.74
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. 7.48 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. 1,332.97 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
Mast Height (DWL) 52.49 ft / 16.00 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Volvo Penta
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 50
Fuel Capacity 40 gals / 150 L
Water Capacity 62 gals / 234 L
How It Compares

vs. Centurion 38, Cr 380 Ds, Dufour Classic 38

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Contest 37 ★
37.7 ft
Centurion 38
37.7 ft
Cr 380 Ds
37.7 ft
Dufour Classic 38
37.6 ft
LWL
Contest 37 ★
31.1 ft
Centurion 38
31.2 ft
Cr 380 Ds
32.0 ft
Dufour Classic 38
32.5 ft
Beam
Contest 37 ★
12.0 ft
Centurion 38
12.5 ft
Cr 380 Ds
11.9 ft
Dufour Classic 38
12.3 ft
Displacement
Contest 37 ★
21 lbs
Centurion 38
20 lbs
Cr 380 Ds
16 lbs
Dufour Classic 38
13 lbs
Ballast
Contest 37 ★
6 lbs
Centurion 38
6 lbs
Cr 380 Ds
6 lbs
Dufour Classic 38
4 lbs
Sail Area
Contest 37 ★
840 sq ft
Centurion 38
682 sq ft
Cr 380 Ds
839 sq ft
Dufour Classic 38
—
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Contest 37 ★
17.7
Centurion 38
14.8
Cr 380 Ds
20.4
Dufour Classic 38
—
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Contest 37 ★
30.4 %
Centurion 38
31.2 %
Cr 380 Ds
40.3 %
Dufour Classic 38
34.2 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Contest 37 ★
36.0
Centurion 38
32.5
Cr 380 Ds
28.7
Dufour Classic 38
—
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Contest 37 ★
1.74
Centurion 38
1.84
Cr 380 Ds
1.86
Dufour Classic 38
—
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Contest 37 ★
311
Centurion 38
297
Cr 380 Ds
231
Dufour Classic 38
176
Hull Speed
Contest 37 ★
7.5 kts
Centurion 38
7.5 kts
Cr 380 Ds
7.6 kts
Dufour Classic 38
—
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