Sailing Performance & Handling
The Contest 36 is a displacement-oriented cruiser that prioritizes stability and comfort over light-air speed. With a displacement of approximately 15,800 lbs (7,200 kg) and a ballast ratio exceeding 40%, the vessel exhibits a high righting moment, making it exceptionally stiff in a blow. According to design notes from Dick Zaal Yacht Design, the hull features a deep-chested section and a well-proportioned fin keel that facilitates a steady, predictable motion in heavy seas.
On the water, the boat tracks with remarkable precision, a trait attributed to its substantial skeg-hung rudder which provides protection and directional stability. While the Sail Area/Displacement ratio is modest compared to modern performance cruisers, the boat excels when the wind picks up, maintaining its composure where lighter vessels might struggle. Owners frequently report that the 36 feels "larger" than its length suggests, handling offshore swells with a dry deck and minimal slamming. Most models were rigged as sloops, though a rare ketch-rigged variant was produced for those seeking more versatile sail-handling options in heavy weather.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The interior of the Contest 36 is a testament to the "Dutch approach" to yacht joinery, utilizing high-grade teak and a layout optimized for life at sea. The classic arrangement features a V-berth forward, followed by a full-width head and a spacious salon with a U-shaped settee. A defining characteristic of this model is the navigation station and galley placement, which serve as a secure transition to the aft quarters.
Unlike many 36-footers of the era that relied on a cramped quarter-berth, the Contest 36 utilizes its volume to provide a dedicated aft cabin, often accessed through a walkthrough on the port side. Headroom is generous throughout, typically exceeding 6’3” (1.90m) in the main cabin. It is important to distinguish the original 36 from its sibling, the Contest 36S. While built on the same principles, the 36S (introduced in 1982) features a revised hull shape with a flatter bottom and a slightly different interior arrangement to maximize the aft cabin space. The original 36 is often preferred by traditionalists for its more traditional "V" hull sections, which provide a softer ride in head seas.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers should approach a Contest 36 with the understanding that these are aging vessels requiring systematic maintenance. Several high-signal areas warrant professional inspection:
- Osmotic Blistering: Vessels from the late 70s were built before the widespread use of vinylester resins. Hull inspections often reveal minor to moderate osmosis, which, while rarely structural on these thick solid-glass hulls, can be a significant negotiation point.
- Teak Deck Longevity: Many Contest 36s were delivered with thick teak decks screwed into the fiberglass sub-deck. Over decades, these screws can back out or the balsa core can become saturated. A moisture meter test of the side decks is essential.
- Chainplate Anchors: On older hulls, the stainless steel chainplates where they pass through the deck are prone to crevice corrosion if the sealant has failed. Check for water staining on the bulkheads beneath the shrouds.
- Original Engines: Many units were originally fitted with Volvo Penta MD11C or MD17 engines. While robust, parts are becoming increasingly scarce, and many buyers factor in the cost of a modern Yanmar or Beta Marine repower.
Community & Resources
The Contest 36 is supported by a dedicated community of owners who value the yard’s heritage. The Contest Owners Association serves as a primary hub for technical drawings and historical data, often providing access to original manuals that have long since disappeared from general circulation. Additionally, the Dutch Contest Yachts Club (Contest Yacht Club Nederland) remains highly active, hosting rallies and maintaining a technical wiki for older Dick Zaal designs.
The Verdict
The Contest 36 remains one of the most respected mid-sized cruisers from the golden age of fiberglass boatbuilding. It is a vessel for the sailor who values build quality and heavy-weather capability over the high-volume layouts of modern mass-production boats.
Pros:
- Exceptional Build Quality: Built to Lloyd’s standards with superior Dutch joinery.
- Bluewater Capability: Heavy displacement and high ballast ratio provide a secure offshore platform.
- Aft Cabin Privacy: Rare for a boat of this vintage and size to offer a truly functional aft sleeping area.
Cons:
- Maintenance Intensive: Aging teak decks and original plumbing systems require frequent attention.
- Light Air Performance: The heavy hull can be sluggish in winds under 10 knots.
- Maneuverability: The long fin keel and protected rudder make for a wide turning circle under power.
