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 mid-1980s, this model served as a bridge between the company's traditional serial production and its later transition into high-end semi-custom luxury yachts. The "A-B" 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, center-cockpit 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.
Contest 40 A-B Sailboats for Sale & Market Overview
- Make
- Contest
- Model
- 40 A-B
- Builder
- Contest Yachts - Conyplex
- Designer
- U. van Essen
- Number Built
- Production Year(s)
- 1972 - ??
Below are the most recent Contest 40 A-B 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) |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | 2 | $101,871 |
| Jan 2026 | 1 | $87,053 |
Median Price by Country
Listings by Country
| Model | LOA | Median Price (USD) | Listings | Recent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contessa 32 | 32' | $39,218 | 44 | 24 |
| Pacific Seacraft 40 | $245,000 | 22 | 2 | |
| Contest 38s | 38' | $66,565 | 20 | 6 |
| Conyplex 31 HT | 31.17' | $22,965 | 15 | 6 |
| Tartan 40 | 40.25' | $89,900 | 14 | 0 |
| Conyplex 33 | 32.25' | $24,617 | 10 | 7 |
| Moody 40 | 39.5' | $88,328 | 10 | 5 |
| Contest 40 S | 39.67' | $187,255 | 9 | 3 |
| Contest 45 CS | 44.95' | $552,344 | 9 | 5 |
| Contest 43 | 42.65' | $193,144 | 7 | 4 |
| Contest 40 A-B | $88,328 | 3 | 0 |
| Country | Median Price (USD) | Listings (past 12 months) | Recent (90d) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | $87,690 | 2 | 0 |
| Germany | $115,415 | 1 | 0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How 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 $88,328. Prices vary by condition, year, equipment, and location.
- How many Contest 40 A-B sailboats are for sale?
- We have tracked 3 Contest 40 A-B listings over the past 12 months, with 0 listed within the last 90 days.
- Where is the cheapest place to buy a Contest 40 A-B?
- Italy currently has the lowest median asking price at $87,690, while Germany is the most expensive at $115,415 — a 32% difference.
- What are similar sailboats to the Contest 40 A-B?
- Comparable models include the Contessa 32, Pacific Seacraft 40, Contest 38s. See the comparison table above for pricing and availability.