The Contest 38S represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of Conyplex (now known as Contest Yachts), transitioning the Dutch yard from its early series-production roots into the realm of high-end, semi-custom bluewater cruisers. Designed by the prolific Dick Zaal, the 38S was introduced in the late 1970s as a more refined and performance-oriented successor to the original Contest 38 (which was designed by Uus van Essen). While the two share a model number, the "S" variant features an entirely different hull and deck profile, embodying the yard's shift toward the robust, center-cockpit ocean voyagers that would define their reputation for decades. Built to Lloyd’s specifications, the 38S is a quintessential example of the "Dutch approach to performance bluewater sailing," offering a level of over-engineering and interior joinery that remains highly prized by offshore sailors.
Contest 38s Sailboats for Sale & Market Overview
- Make
- Contest
- Model
- 38s
- Builder
- Contest Yachts - Conyplex
- Designer
- —
- Number Built
Below are the most recent Contest 38s 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) |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2025 | 1 | $36,520 |
| Apr 2025 | 2 | $74,250 |
| May 2025 | 1 | $89,000 |
| Jun 2025 | 1 | $59,500 |
| Sep 2025 | 9 | $69,500 |
| Dec 2025 | 2 | $64,994 |
| Feb 2026 | 1 | $59,500 |
| Mar 2026 | 1 | $59,500 |
| Apr 2026 | 4 | $59,500 |
Median Price by Country
Listings by Country
Price Reduction Insights
30.8% of listings have had price reductions
Average discount: 13.1% off original price
| Model | LOA | Median Price (USD) | Listings | Recent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contessa 32 | 32' | $39,233 | 44 | 24 |
| Nauticat 38 | 37.5' | $115,451 | 39 | 16 |
| Contest 38s | $66,575 | 20 | 6 | |
| Contest 31 HT | 31.17' | $23,556 | 13 | 5 |
| Contest 40 S | 39.67' | $187,314 | 9 | 3 |
| Contest 33 | 32.25' | $22,735 | 9 | 6 |
| Contest 45 CS | 44.95' | $552,517 | 9 | 5 |
| Camper & Nicholsons Nicholson 38 | $41,503 | 8 | 2 | |
| CSY 37 | 37.25' | $29,900 | 8 | 6 |
| Contest 43 | 42.65' | $193,204 | 7 | 4 |
| Moody 38 | 37.5' | $96,602 | 3 | 0 |
| Country | Median Price (USD) | Listings (past 12 months) | Recent (90d) |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Virgin Islands | $64,500 | 4 | 0 |
| Germany | $76,575 | 2 | 0 |
| Greece | $74,808 | 2 | 1 |
| United States | $64,000 | 2 | 0 |
| Denmark | $55,176 | 1 | 1 |
| United Kingdom | $118,347 | 1 | 0 |
| Italy | $76,575 | 1 | 0 |
| Norway | $63,988 | 1 | 0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a used Contest 38s cost?
- The median asking price for a used Contest 38s over the past 12 months is $66,575. Prices vary by condition, year, equipment, and location.
- How many Contest 38s sailboats are for sale?
- We have tracked 20 Contest 38s listings over the past 12 months, with 6 listed within the last 90 days.
- Are Contest 38s prices going up or down?
- The median asking price for the Contest 38s has decreased by 10.63% over the last 3 months compared to the 12-month average.
- Where is the cheapest place to buy a Contest 38s?
- Denmark currently has the lowest median asking price at $55,176, while United Kingdom is the most expensive at $118,347 — a 114% difference.
- Do Contest 38s listings get price reductions?
- About 31% of Contest 38s listings have had their price reduced, with an average discount of 13.1% off the original asking price.
- What are similar sailboats to the Contest 38s?
- Comparable models include the Contessa 32, Nauticat 38, Contest 31 HT. See the comparison table above for pricing and availability.