Contest 38

1984–1994 · designed by Dick Zaal · built by Conyplex

Premium Dutch-built production cruiser (Contest 38S generation). Designed for European offshore + coastal cruising with a focus on build quality and long-term durability. Fin-keel-plus-spade-rudder architecture. Centre-cockpit layout with aft cabin and en suite — the distinguishing feature of the 38S versus the original Contest 38. Less brand awareness than Hallberg-Rassy in the US market but comparable build specification. Note: an earlier "Contest 38" (1972+) designed by Uus van Essen predates this model and would be a separate row.

This is a general read on the Contest 38 class — informed background, not a verdict on any individual boat. Condition, refit history, and how a particular hull was sailed and stored matter far more than class reputation. Use it to know what to look for; for a read on a specific listing, run a free FairKeel report on that boat.

See something that doesn't look right? We'd love to know — email us about the Contest 38 →

At a glance

Hull form: Fin Keel
Ballast: Bolt On Lead
Rudder: Spade
Mast step: Deck Stepped
Hull construction: Fiberglass
Production: 1984–1994
Built in: Netherlands

What the Contest 38 is known for

Premium Dutch build quality — Conyplex has been in continuous production since 1959 and the Contest 38 of this generation shows build standards comparable to Hallberg-Rassy contemporaries.
Manufacturer still in business — factory parts and dealer support remain available in Europe and via select North American dealers.
Lower price-tag premium than the better-known Hallberg-Rassy 36 in the used market — comparable build quality at lower entry cost for buyers willing to research the less-famous brand.

Known trade-offs

Lower brand awareness in the US market means a smaller pool of surveyors familiar with the class and a smaller community for class-specific institutional knowledge.
European-spec electrical systems (220V) on most hulls means North American buyers face a shore-power conversion cost or compromise.
Multi-generation Contest 38 name — buyer must confirm exactly which generation a listing refers to, as displacement + sail area + spec vary between generations.

Age-related quirks to expect

Original Volvo or Yanmar engine — service-cycle costs at age 25-35 Low 1984-1994

Original Lewmar hatches + portlights — UV degradation of acrylic glazing by year 25 Low all (age-driven)

Headliner panel adhesion failure — selective issues on earlier hulls Low 1984-1989 approximately

Multi-generation 'Contest 38' name — confirm generation before pricing Medium spans multiple Contest 38 variants over decades

Systems to check before you buy

Standing rigging + Selden mast hardware priority: offshore, coastal

Original Selden rig on most hulls. Deck-stepped aluminum spar — check the compression post and the deck collar for corrosion. Rigging typically due at 20-25 years; most Contest 38s have been re-rigged at least once by 2026.

Below-WL through-hulls + seacocks (bronze) priority: offshore, coastal, liveaboard

Original bronze fittings on a 25-40 year hull. Dutch build quality means bonding + backing blocks are generally sound, but the fittings themselves are at age limit. Routine replacement during a haul-out.

Hull moisture survey priority: offshore, coastal, liveaboard

Dutch production hulls of this era have a lower osmosis incidence than UK production contemporaries, but moisture survey is still warranted at this age. Premium build = generally good results, but verify rather than assume.

Electrical system + European 220V shore-power priority: offshore, liveaboard

Contest 38s built for the European market typically have 220V shore-power systems and metric-spec wiring. North American buyers should budget for shore-power conversion or accept the European spec. Confirm voltage + grounding before any electrical upgrade pricing.

How it fits your plans

Offshore: Designed for it. Dutch premium build, fin-keel + skeg-rudder architecture, sensible offshore-ready specification. Less brand awareness than Hallberg-Rassy but architecturally and qualitatively in the same tier. Strong North Sea + Baltic reputation.
Coastal: Excellent but overspecced for pure coastal work. The premium build carries a price-tag premium that's harder to justify for coastal- only use.
Liveaboard: Strong for cruising couples. Robust hardware, generous tankage, premium interior fitout. Less well-known than HR in liveaboard circles but functionally comparable.

Looking at a specific Contest 38? FairKeel reads the actual listing — photos, broker claims, comparable sales — and tells you what it isn't saying, what to ask the broker, and a defensible offer range. Free, in under a minute.

Run a free report on your listing →

Browse all used-boat buyer's guides →