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Contest 41
Designer: Dick Zaal  ·  Builder: Conyplex  ·  First built: 1985
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About the Contest 41

Designed by Dick Zaal and built by Conyplex from 1985 to 1991, this Dutch-built cruising yacht represents the quality craftsmanship that Contest Yachts became known for during the 1980s. With only six hulls produced, the Contest 41 remains a rare find in today's used boat market. The yacht's substantial 27,225-pound displacement and generous beam of 12.67 feet create excellent stability and interior volume for extended cruising. Her fin keel with rudder on skeg configuration, drawing 6.25 feet, provides responsive handling while maintaining directional stability in following seas. The masthead sloop rig offers versatility for both coastal and offshore sailing, with ample sail area for light air performance. Contest's reputation for robust construction shines through in this model's fiberglass hull and deck, built to handle serious bluewater passages. The comfort ratio of 40.8 indicates this yacht favors cruising comfort over racing performance, while the capsize screening value of 1.69 suggests good seaworthiness for offshore work. Her theoretical hull speed of 7.64 knots and 75-horsepower engine provide adequate performance under both sail and power. This vessel appeals to cruisers seeking a well-built, seaworthy yacht capable of extended passages while offering the comfort expected from Dutch yacht builders.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 41.00 ft / 12.50 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 32.50 ft / 9.91 m
Beam 12.67 ft / 3.86 m
Max Draft 6.25 ft / 1.91 m
Displacement 27,225.00 lb / 12,349 kg
Ballast 9,120.00 lb / 4,137 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Dick Zaal
Builder Conyplex
First Built 1985
Last Built 1991
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
 33.5
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
 354.05
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
 40.8
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
 1.69
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. 7.64 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. 1,471.32 pounds/inch
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Volvo Penta
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 75
Fuel Capacity 77 gals / 291 L
Water Capacity 132 gals / 500 L
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