The Contest 36 S, designed by the prolific Dutch naval architect Dick Zaal and built by the Conyplex yard in Medemblik, represents a sophisticated evolution of the traditional cruiser. Introduced in the early 1980s as a successor to the original Contest 36, the "S" designation marked a transition toward a more modern, performance-oriented hull shape while retaining the heavy-weather capabilities for which the builder is renowned. Constructed under rigorous Lloyds certification, the 36 S was engineered to meet the demands of Northern European waters, balancing a robust layup with the refined aesthetics of Dutch craftsmanship. According to the Dick Zaal Yacht Design archives, the model was specifically developed to offer better pointing ability and increased speed over its predecessor without sacrificing the safety margins essential for offshore passage-making.
Contest 36 S Sailboats for Sale & Market Overview

- Make
- Contest
- Model
- 36 S
- Builder
- Contest Yachts - Conyplex
- Designer
- Dick Zaal
- Number Built
- 88
- Production Year(s)
- 1984 - 1994
Below are the most recent Contest 36 S sailboat listings (up to 10).
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| Source | Year | Make | Model | Price | Cabins | Heads | City | Country | Listing Date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DISCLAIMER: We are not affiliated with any external listing websites in any way. We simply aggregate publicly available listings to make it easier for buyers to find sailboats for sale. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the listings, so please verify all information with the seller before making any decisions.
Market Overview
Price & Volume Trends
Monthly breakdown
| Month | Listings | Median Asking Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| May 2025 | 1 | $35,000 |
| Sep 2025 | 1 | $87,177 |
| Apr 2026 | 1 | $45,945 |
Median Price by Country
Listings by Country
| Model | LOA | Median Price (USD) | Listings | Recent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contessa 32 | 32' | $39,233 | 44 | 24 |
| Contest 38s | 38' | $66,575 | 20 | 6 |
| Swanson 36 | 35.73' | $94,246 | 13 | 4 |
| CSY 36 | 36.5' | $46,200 | 12 | 3 |
| Pearson 36 | 36.56' | $22,450 | 12 | 4 |
| Conyplex 33 | 32.25' | $24,621 | 10 | 7 |
| Rival 36 | 35.83' | $67,389 | 10 | 4 |
| Contest 40 S | 39.67' | $187,314 | 9 | 3 |
| Contest 45 CS | 44.95' | $552,517 | 9 | 5 |
| Contest 43 | 42.65' | $193,204 | 7 | 4 |
| Contest 36 S | $45,945 | 3 | 1 |
| Country | Median Price (USD) | Listings (past 12 months) | Recent (90d) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belgium | $45,945 | 1 | 1 |
| Netherlands | $87,177 | 1 | 0 |
| United States | $35,000 | 1 | 0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a used Contest 36 S cost?
- The median asking price for a used Contest 36 S over the past 12 months is $45,945. Prices vary by condition, year, equipment, and location.
- How many Contest 36 S sailboats are for sale?
- We have tracked 3 Contest 36 S listings over the past 12 months, with 1 listed within the last 90 days.
- Are Contest 36 S prices going up or down?
- The median asking price for the Contest 36 S has remained stable over the last 3 months compared to the 12-month average.
- Where is the cheapest place to buy a Contest 36 S?
- United States currently has the lowest median asking price at $35,000, while Netherlands is the most expensive at $87,177 — a 149% difference.
- What are similar sailboats to the Contest 36 S?
- Comparable models include the Contessa 32, Contest 38s, Swanson 36. See the comparison table above for pricing and availability.