Contest 40 A-B Sailboats for Sale & Market Overview

U. van Essen·1972·Contest Yachts - Conyplex
Approximate drawing

Hover a measurement to read its value

Hull type
Monohull · fin
Rig
Masthead Sloop
LOA
39.7' · 12.1 m
Displ.
16,790 lbs · 7,616 kg
First year
1972

The Contest 40, a quintessential product of the Conyplex yard in Medemblik, represents a hallmark era for the Dutch builder. Designed by Dick Zaal and launched in the mid1980s, this model served as a bridge between the company's traditional serial production and its later transition into highend semicustom luxury yachts. The "AB" designation typically refers to the two primary interior accommodation plans offered by the yard, allowing owners to choose between different cabin priorities within the same robust, centercockpit hull. Built during a period when Contest was refining its fiberglass techniques, the 40 is characterized by its significant displacement, high freeboard, and a reputation for being an "armored cruiser" capable of transoceanic passages with minimal drama.

Market snapshot

Median asking · 12 mo
$ 87,053
Ask, not sold · 3 listings
Recent listings · 90 d
1
3 tracked · 12 mo
3-month price trend
-39.9%
vs. 12-mo median
Countries with listings
2
Italy (66.7%) · Germany (33.3%)

Recent Listings

1 for sale · sampled 10 newest

Where they're listed

Contest 40 A-B listings span 2 countries. Italy leads with 2 listings (66.7%), followed by Germany.

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

Country breakdown

3 listings · 2 countries
CountryMedian askListings · 12 moActive · 90 dShare
Italy$ 69,7062166.7%
Germany$ 114,0281033.3%

Comparable models

Similar length overall, displacement, and era. Click a row to jump to that model's market page.

Peer cross-shop

11 designs · same segment
ModelLOAMedian askListings · 12 moActive · 90 d
Contessa 3232'$ 33,6495933
Pacific Seacraft 40$ 242,500276
Conyplex 31 HT31.17'$ 20,3622212
Contest 38s38'$ 64,591218
Conyplex 3332.25'$ 22,7351310
Contest 45 CS44.95'$ 545,707116
Moody 4039.5'$ 87,267104
Contest 4342.65'$ 190,82386
Conyplex 35S35.76'$ 67,48675
Delphia 4039.21'$ 93,08451
Contest 40 A-BYou are here$ 87,05331

Frequently asked questions

01How much does a used Contest 40 A-B cost?+
The median asking price for a used Contest 40 A-B over the past 12 months is $87,053. Prices vary by condition, year, equipment, and location.
02How many Contest 40 A-B sailboats are for sale?+
1 Contest 40 A-B listing has gone live in the last 90 days, and 3 have been tracked across the past 12 months.
03Are Contest 40 A-B prices going up or down?+
The median asking price for the Contest 40 A-B has decreased by 39.9% over the last 3 months compared to the 12-month median.
04Where are Contest 40 A-B sailboats for sale?+
The top markets for used Contest 40 A-B listings over the past 12 months are Italy (66.7%), Germany (33.3%).
05Do Contest 40 A-B listings get price reductions?+
About 50% of Contest 40 A-B listings have had a price reduction, with an average discount of 40.0% off the original ask. A listing that has been on the market more than 90 days without a reduction usually signals the seller is not motivated.
06What should I look at instead of a Contest 40 A-B?+
Comparable models include Contessa 32, Pacific Seacraft 40, Conyplex 31 HT. See the peer cross-shop table above for pricing and availability.