Contest 31 HT Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Contest 31 HT are defined by its high ballast ratio and Dick Zaal’s signature focus on seaworthiness. With a displacement of approximately 4,800 kg and nearly 50% of that weight concentrated in an encapsulated lead/iron keel, the boat is exceptionally stiff. This high righting moment allows the 31 HT to carry full sail longer than its lighter competitors, making it a formidable performer when the breeze freshens. According to technical archives from Dick Zaal Yacht Design, the hull features a modern-for-its-time fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, a configuration that provides a balance between maneuverability and directional stability.

In terms of handling, the 31 HT is not a light-air specialist; its substantial wetted surface area and heavy displacement mean it requires a Force 3 or 4 to truly wake up. However, once moving, it tracks with remarkable precision. The skeg-hung rudder offers a heavy but communicative feel at the helm, providing the "tracking on rails" sensation that bluewater sailors prize. While it lacks the surfing potential of modern flat-bottomed designs, its motion in a seaway is predictable and soft, characterized by a gentle pitching motion rather than the jarring "slamming" found in lighter, flatter hulls.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The "HT" designation is most evident once one steps below deck. By raising the coachroof, Dick Zaal achieved a standing headroom of nearly 1.95 meters (6'4"), a rarity for a 31-foot yacht of this vintage. The interior reflects the high-water mark of Dutch cabinetry, finished in rich, high-gloss mahogany that has often survived decades of use with minimal degradation. The layout is a classic offshore arrangement: a forward V-berth, a central salon with two longitudinal settees (which serve as excellent sea berths), and a dedicated navigation station to starboard.

The galley is typically located to port of the companionway, designed to be functional even while heeled. A notable variation in this model is the "High Top" vs. the "AC" (Aft Cockpit) versions; while both are aft-cockpit boats, the HT provides a significantly more airy feel in the main cabin. Sibling models built on similar lines include the Contest 31 AC and the later Contest 32 CS, which moved toward a center-cockpit configuration. The 31 HT remains popular for couples because of its "over-engineered" storage capacity, with deep lockers and shelving integrated into the hull's reinforcement stringers.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Contest 31 HT should focus on the specific aging characteristics of 1970s Dutch builds. While the hulls are generally solid and not prone to structural failure, they are susceptible to osmosis if they have not been treated with an epoxy barrier coat.

• Deck Core Integrity: The deck is a balsa-cored sandwich construction. Buyers should use a plastic hammer to check for "dull" thuds around the chainplates and stanchion bases, as water ingress here can lead to core rot and expensive delamination repairs.
• Engine Service Life: Many original units were fitted with Volvo Penta MD11C or MD17 diesel engines. While robust, these engines are reaching the end of their service life, and sourcing specific cooling system parts can be difficult. Check for "smoking" on cold starts and evidence of salt crystallization around the raw-water cooling pipes.
• Rudder Bushings: The skeg-hung rudder is a safety feature, but the bushings at the base of the skeg can wear over time, leading to a "thumping" sensation at the helm. This requires a haul-out to inspect and replace.
• Chainplate Leaks: The way the chainplates are integrated through the deck can lead to slow leaks that damage the interior mahogany bulkheads. Inspect the wood around the chainplate points for dark staining or "softness."

Community & Resources

The Contest 31 HT is supported by a robust community of enthusiasts centered around the Contest Yachts Club, which serves as the primary technical association for owners. Based in the Netherlands but with an international membership, the club maintains archives of original manuals and provides a forum for discussing restoration projects. Because the builder, Contest Yachts, is still in operation under the Conijn family, there is a level of brand continuity rarely seen with other manufacturers of this era, though direct factory support for 50-year-old models is understandably limited to historical advice and general engineering philosophy.

The Verdict

The Contest 31 HT is a "proper yacht" in the traditional sense—overbuilt, exceptionally safe, and designed for sailors who prioritize seaworthiness over light-air speed. It remains an ideal choice for a solo sailor or a couple looking to cross oceans or cruise rugged coastlines on a modest budget.

Pros:

• Exceptional headroom and interior volume for its length.
• Solid, hand-laid fiberglass hull with a protected skeg-hung rudder.
• High-quality mahogany joinery that stands the test of time.
• Predictable and heavy-weather capable handling.

Cons:

• Sluggish performance in light winds (below 8 knots).
• High maintenance requirements for original teak-topped cockpits or decks.
• Potential for osmosis in original gelcoat.
• Aging original Volvo Penta engines may require replacement.