Sailing Performance & Handling
Under sail, the Contest 38 is characterized by a "limitless" feel of stability, typical of the heavy-displacement designs of its era. With a displacement-to-length ratio that leans toward the heavier side of the spectrum, the boat does not excel in light airs but comes alive when the breeze exceeds 12 to 15 knots. Its deep-V sections and significant ballast ratio provide a sea-kindly motion that minimizes slamming in a head sea, a trait frequently praised by long-distance voyagers.
The model was available in both sloop and ketch configurations. The ketch rig, while adding complexity, offers a versatile sail plan for short-handed crews, allowing for the "jib and jigger" configuration in heavy weather. While it lacks the pointing ability of modern performance cruisers, the Contest 38 tracks exceptionally well due to its long fin keel and skeg-hung rudder. This directional stability is a primary reason the model remains a favorite for solo sailors and couples crossing oceans.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The interior of the Contest 38 showcases the high-quality Dutch joinery for which Conyplex is renowned. The center-cockpit configuration allows for a distinct separation of living spaces, most notably featuring a dedicated aft cabin that can be accessed through a walk-through corridor. This "great cabin" typically includes a double berth and a small seating area, providing a level of privacy rarely found in 38-foot vessels of this vintage.
The main saloon is finished in rich teak, often featuring a U-shaped settee to port and a straight settee to starboard. In the 38S (aft-cockpit) version, the interior layout shifts to a more traditional arrangement, sacrificing the large private aft cabin for a larger cockpit and improved cockpit-to-cabin flow. Headroom is generous throughout, typically exceeding 6 feet 3 inches in the main saloon, making it a viable live-aboard option for taller sailors. The galley is generally positioned in the walk-through to the aft cabin (in the CC version), providing a secure, "braced" position for cooking while underway.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers of a Contest 38 should prioritize an inspection of the following technical areas, which are common to Conyplex builds of this period:
- Teak Deck Condition: Many Contest 38s were delivered with thick teak decks screwed into the fiberglass sub-deck. Over forty years later, these decks often reach the end of their service life. Check for thinning wood, failing bung holes, and potential moisture ingress into the balsa or foam core.
- Original Engine Maintenance: Many units were originally fitted with Volvo Penta or Perkins diesels. While robust, parts for older Volvo MD series engines can be expensive and difficult to source. Verify if the engine has been repowered or if the cooling system shows signs of significant scale buildup.
- Osmosis: While Contest hulls were built to Lloyd’s specifications and are notoriously thick, boats from the late 70s and early 80s are still susceptible to osmotic blistering. A professional moisture meter reading and hull inspection are mandatory.
- Rigging and Chainplates: Due to the age of the fleet, the standing rigging should be replaced if older than ten years. Specifically, inspect the stainless steel chainplates where they pass through the deck for signs of crevice corrosion.
Community & Resources
The primary hub for technical support and owner camaraderie is the Contest Yachts Owners Association. This group maintains a repository of technical manuals, original brochures, and refit logs that are invaluable for maintaining the vessel's original Dutch standards.
The Verdict
The Contest 38 remains one of the most respected mid-sized bluewater cruisers of the late 20th century. It is a boat for the sailor who prioritizes safety and build quality over raw speed or modern "open-concept" interiors.
- Pros:
- Overbuilt hull with Lloyd’s Register certification.
- Exceptional privacy provided by the center-cockpit aft cabin.
- Sea-kindly motion in heavy offshore conditions.
- High-grade interior joinery that ages gracefully.
- Cons:
- Sluggish performance in light winds (under 10 knots).
- Potential for high maintenance costs regarding teak decks.
- Limited maneuverability in tight marinas due to the long fin keel and displacement.
