Contest 31 HT Information, Review, Specs

The Contest 31 HT emerged from a period of significant growth and innovation for Conyplex, a company renowned for its commitment to quality and performance since its founding in 1959. During the 1970s, Conyplex, under the leadership of Ed Conijn and later his son Fritz Conijn, was known for maintaining meticulous control over its entire production process, ensuring a consistent standard of craftsmanship. The 31 HT was a product of this ethos, built with solid fiberglass hulls and decks, emphasizing durability for offshore sailing.

Designed by Dick Zaal, the Contest 31 HT carried the characteristics of an IOR cruiser-racer, rating as a half-tonner. While IOR designs sometimes prioritized rating advantages, Zaal crafted the 31 HT to offer good-natured sailing characteristics, striking a balance between performance and cruising comfort. Over its production run, the model was offered with variations including different draft options, with a standard fin keel depth of 5.74 feet and a shallow draft alternative of 4.76 feet. Buyers also had the choice between saildrive or traditional shaft drive engine configurations.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Contest 31 HT is widely appreciated for its robust construction and dependable sailing characteristics, even in challenging weather conditions. With a calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 14.4, she leans towards a conservative design, suggesting she might require more wind to truly excel compared to lighter performance-oriented vessels, with some owners noting a perceived lack of sail area for lighter conditions. However, this conservative nature contributes to her reputation as a forgiving and stable cruiser.

Her Ballast to Displacement ratio, a substantial 0.47, indicates excellent stiffness, allowing the boat to stand up to a breeze and maintain a more upright stance under sail. Complementing this is a Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 289, placing her firmly in the category of moderately heavy cruisers. This weight contributes significantly to a comfortable motion in a seaway, making her a solid choice for longer passages or adverse conditions. Owners consistently praise the 31 HT for its good-natured handling and balance, making it a reliable and safe platform for cruising. The skeg-hung rudder further enhances directional stability and provides protection to the rudder itself.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom data is not consistently available, the Contest 31 HT is known to offer standing headroom, contributing to a comfortable living space below deck. Typically configured with five or six berths, the interior layout of the 31 HT is designed for practical cruising. Most models feature a traditional V-berth forward, followed by a main salon with settees that can often convert into additional berths. A functional galley and a dedicated head compartment are standard.

The general finish quality reflects Contest Yachts' commitment to high standards, even in their earlier production models. Interiors usually showcase the warmth of wood trim combined with durable fiberglass liners, offering a blend of traditional aesthetics and robust construction. Storage is generally ample for a boat of its size, designed to accommodate the provisions and gear needed for extended cruising. Ventilation, while varying by specific boat and owner modifications, typically relies on deck hatches and portlights.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Contest 31 HT frequently highlight the boat's solid construction as a major strength, often describing them as being "built like a tank". This robust build translates into a sense of security and a comfortable motion, even in rough seas, making the 31 HT a proven seaworthy and safe cruising yacht. Its good-natured sailing characteristics are also consistently praised, with many appreciating its predictable handling under various conditions. The relatively small cockpit is often seen as an advantage for open ocean sailing, enhancing safety by minimizing the volume that could be filled by a breaking wave.

However, like many vessels of its age, the Contest 31 HT can present some common maintenance challenges. Owners have noted a propensity for older Contest hulls to struggle with osmosis, a common issue for fiberglass boats from that era. Additionally, some report that original fastenings may be laminated over internally, making access for maintenance more challenging. Original engines, now decades old, may also require significant attention or replacement. For those considering sailing in very light wind conditions, some owners have pointed out that the combination of its displacement and sail area can make it less sprightly. Despite these points, the overall sentiment among owners remains positive, valuing the 31 HT for its enduring quality and reliable cruising capabilities.