Contest 38s Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Contest 38S is a heavy-displacement cruiser designed for sea-kindliness and predictable handling rather than raw speed in light air. With a displacement-to-length ratio that reflects its "bulletproof" construction, the boat excels in heavy weather, where its momentum and balanced hull shape allow it to power through chop that would stall lighter vessels. Most hulls were delivered with a ketch rig, a configuration that Dick Zaal Yacht Design emphasizes for its versatility in sail-shortening; the "jib and jigger" combination (sailing under headsail and mizzen alone) provides a stable, balanced platform in gale conditions.

The steering is typically heavy but precise, aided by a large skeg-hung rudder that provides excellent tracking and protection for the propeller. Because of its deep-V sections forward, the 38S is famously dry, rarely taking green water over the bow. However, owners should note that its performance to windward in light winds is modest, often requiring the engine to maintain progress until the breeze freshens beyond 12–15 knots.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The move to a center-cockpit configuration allowed Dick Zaal to maximize the interior volume, a hallmark of the Contest brand. The 38S features a classic "linear" passage to the aft cabin, which often doubles as a sea berth or storage area. The aft cabin itself is a highlight for a boat of this era, providing a genuine "owner's suite" with significant headroom and a private feel that is rare in 38-footers from the late 1970s.

The joinery is predominantly high-grade Burmese teak, reflecting the builder's origins in a timber yard. The layout usually includes a U-shaped galley to port and a dedicated navigation station to starboard. Sibling models built on similar philosophies include the earlier Contest 38 (the Van Essen version) and the later Contest 37, but the 38S is often considered the "sweet spot" in size for a couple cruising without additional crew. While most were ketches, a rare sloop-rigged variant exists, which offers a slightly simpler rig at the expense of the ketch's heavy-weather versatility.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

When inspecting a Contest 38S, the primary concern is often the condition of the teak decks. Like many Dutch yachts of this era, the teak was typically screwed and bonded to a GRP sandwich deck; over four decades, the balsa or foam core can become compromised if the deck fittings or screws have leaked. Prospective buyers should use a moisture meter or perform a "tap test" across the deck surfaces.

The technical systems also require scrutiny. The original Volvo Penta engines, while robust, are nearing the end of their service life if they haven't been overhauled or replaced. Additionally, the mild steel or stainless steel fuel and water tanks are often glassed into the structure, making replacement a significant "surgical" project if corrosion has set in. Finally, the ketch rig involves two masts' worth of standing rigging; buyers should budget for the increased replacement costs of the additional stays and chainplates, particularly the mizzen chainplates which are sometimes overlooked.

Community & Resources

The most significant resource for owners is the Contest Yachts Owners Club, a well-established international group that maintains technical archives and hosting rallies. The builder, Contest Yachts, also maintains a surprisingly high level of support for their heritage models, often holding original hull drawings and specifications in their archives in Medemblik, Netherlands.

The Verdict

The Contest 38S is a "proper" yacht in the traditional sense, built for sailors who prioritize safety and build quality over contemporary aesthetics or high-speed planing potential. It remains a premier choice for those planning a transatlantic crossing or a North Sea circuit.

Pros:

• Exceptional Dutch build quality with Lloyd’s certification.
• Highly capable ketch rig offers excellent balance in heavy weather.
• Spacious and private aft cabin layout for a 38-foot vessel.

Cons:

• Heavy displacement leads to sluggish performance in light air.
• Potential for high maintenance costs regarding aged teak decks and ketch rigging.
• Limited accessibility for tank replacement or deep hull repairs.