Contest 36 Ktch Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Contest 36 Ketch is a dedicated heavy-displacement cruiser with a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 313, placing it firmly in the category of robust offshore voyagers. This mass, combined with a ballast ratio of roughly 37%, provides a remarkably stable and "sea-kindly" motion in heavy weather. According to technical data from Dick Zaal Yacht Design, the ketch rig was favored by experienced sailors of the era for its ability to split the sail plan into manageable pieces. This "jigger and jib" configuration allows the crew to drop the mainsail entirely in rising winds while maintaining a balanced, easily steered boat.

While the ketch rig offers versatility, it is not a "greyhound" of the seas. With a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/D) ratio of around 12.4 with standard sails, it can be underpowered in light air. However, the hull’s directional stability is excellent, aided by a substantial fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder. Owners often note that while it may not point as high as its sloop-rigged siblings, it tracks with remarkable precision on a reach, requiring minimal input from the helm or autopilot even in confused following seas.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Contest 36 Ketch is a masterclass in 1970s Dutch craftsmanship, featuring extensive use of solid teak and high-quality veneers. The center-cockpit configuration allows for a distinct separation of living spaces, most notably a dedicated aft cabin. Access to this cabin is typically via a walkthrough that contains a longitudinal galley or a dedicated navigation station, depending on the specific hull's fit-out.

The main salon is deep and airy, offering approximately 1.91 meters (6'3") of headroom, which was considered generous for its time. Variations of the 36 exist, primarily differentiated by the rig (Sloop vs. Ketch) and the interior layout; some versions prioritized a larger galley, while others maximized berthing to accommodate up to seven people. The "S" variant, the Contest 36S, is a later and entirely different design (produced 1984–1994) with a more modern semi-flush deck and increased internal volume, but it lacks the classic lines and split-rig of the original 36 Ketch.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

• Balsa Core Integrity: While the hull itself is solid GRP, the decks and sometimes the cabin house are balsa-cored. Buyers should use a moisture meter around the stanchions and chainplates, as leaks in these areas can lead to significant core rot and delamination.
• Teak Deck Wear: Most Contest 36s were delivered with thick teak decks screwed into the GRP. After four decades, these decks often reach the end of their service life, with worn-down plugs and compromised bedding leading to water ingress.
• Engine Service Life: The original power plant was frequently a Volvo Penta MD17C or similar three-cylinder diesel. These are reliable but increasingly difficult to find parts for; a prospective buyer should check for evidence of manifold corrosion or recent repowering with a modern Beta or Yanmar unit.
• Osmosis: Early Conyplex hulls were robustly built, but like many GRP boats from the mid-70s, they can be susceptible to gelcoat blistering if they have spent their entire lives in warmer waters without an epoxy barrier coat.

Community & Resources

Owners of these classic Dutch vessels are supported by a dedicated community, most notably the Contest Yachts Owners Association and technical archives maintained by the builder. The designer's own site, Dick Zaal Yacht Design, serves as a vital technical resource for original sail plans and hull specifications.

The Verdict

The Contest 36 Ketch is a quintessential "proper" yacht—heavy, safe, and built to a standard that is rarely seen in modern serial production. It is an ideal choice for a couple looking to cross oceans on a modest budget, provided they value safety and comfort over raw speed.

Pros:

• Exemplary build quality and joinery.
• High motion comfort ratio for long-distance cruising.
• Safe, deep center cockpit with an enclosed aft cabin.
• Versatile ketch rig for short-handed sail handling.

Cons:

• Sluggish performance in light winds (below 10 knots).
• High maintenance costs associated with aging teak decks.
• Expensive to repower due to the engine room configuration.