Contest 38s Sailboats for Sale

1980 – 1992·~90 hulls·Contest Yachts - Conyplex
Approximate drawing

Hover a measurement to read its value

Hull Type
Monohull · fin
Rig
Ketch
LOA
37.25' · 11.35 m
Disp.
19,285 lbs · 8,748 kg
First year
1980

The Contest 38S represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of Conyplex (now known as Contest Yachts), transitioning the Dutch yard from its early seriesproduction roots into the realm of highend, semicustom bluewater cruisers. Designed by the prolific Dick Zaal, the 38S was introduced in the late 1970s as a more refined and performanceoriented 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, centercockpit 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 overengineering and interior joinery that remains highly prized by offshore sailors.

Market snapshot

Median asking · 12 mo
$ 65,509
Asking price · 22 listings
Recent listings · 90 d
4
22 tracked · 12 mo
3-month price trend
+11.8%
vs. 12-mo median
Countries with listings
10
British Virgin Islands (31.3%) · Germany (12.5%) · Greece (12.5%)

Recent Listings

8 for sale · showing 10 newest

Where they're listed

Contest 38s listings appear across 10 countries. British Virgin Islands has the most listings with 5 (31.3%), followed by Germany and Greece.

Median ask by country
USD · past 12 months
Share of listings
Count · past 12 months

Country view

16 listings · 10 countries
CountryMedian askListings · 12 moActive · 90 dShare
British Virgin Islands$ 59,5005131.3%
Germany$ 74,1432012.5%
Greece$ 72,4322012.5%
Denmark$ 41,962106.3%
Spain$ 86,997116.3%
United Kingdom$ 117,112106.3%
Italy$ 74,143106.3%
Netherlands$ 87,261116.3%
Norway$ 61,677106.3%
United States$ 68,500106.3%

Comparable models

Similar length, displacement, and era. Open a row to compare that model's market page.

Similar boats to compare

2 similar designs
ModelLOAMedian askListings · 12 moActive · 90 d
Contest 38sYou are here$ 65,509224
Conyplex 3332.25'$ 24,200143

Frequently asked questions

01How much does a used Contest 38s cost?+
The median asking price for a used Contest 38s over the past 12 months is $65,509. Prices vary by condition, year, equipment, and location.
02How many Contest 38s sailboats are for sale?+
4 Contest 38s listings have gone live in the last 90 days, and 22 have been tracked across the past 12 months.
03Are Contest 38s prices going up or down?+
The median asking price for the Contest 38s is up 11.8% over the last 3 months compared with the 12-month median.
04Where are Contest 38s sailboats for sale?+
The top markets for used Contest 38s listings over the past 12 months are British Virgin Islands (31.3%), Germany (12.5%), Greece (12.5%).
05Do Contest 38s listings get price reductions?+
About 60% of Contest 38s listings have had a price reduction, with an average discount of 8.8% off the original ask. If a listing has been on the market for more than 90 days without a cut, the seller may not be in a hurry.
06What should I look at instead of a Contest 38s?+
Comparable models include Conyplex 33. Use the comparison table above to check pricing and availability.