The Contest 42CS (and its predecessor, the Dick Zaal-designed Contest 42) represents a pivotal intersection of high-end Dutch craftsmanship and performance-oriented bluewater sailing. Introduced to the market in 2013, the modern 42CS was designed by Georg Nissen as a response to the growing demand for a yacht that could be managed easily by a couple while maintaining the luxury and offshore robustness of its larger siblings. This model effectively replaced the older generation of 40-footers in the Contest lineup, bridging the gap between coastal cruising agility and the "heavy-metal" security required for transoceanic passages. As the entry-level model in the current Contest range, the 42CS is notable for its vacuum-infused hull construction and its ability to maintain high average speeds in light air, a departure from the heavier, more sedate designs of the company's early years.
Contest 42 Sailboats for Sale & Market Overview

- Make
- Contest
- Model
- 42
- Builder
- Contest Yachts - Conyplex
- Designer
- Dick Zaal
- Number Built
- 32
- Production Year(s)
- 1977 - 1985
Below are the most recent Contest 42 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) |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 2025 | 1 | $85,000 |
| Jan 2026 | 1 | $96,602 |
| Model | LOA | Median Price (USD) | Listings | Recent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contest 38s | 38' | $66,575 | 20 | 6 |
| Pilothouse 42 | 42.65' | $270,957 | 19 | 10 |
| Valiant 42 | 42' | $299,999 | 14 | 9 |
| Conyplex 33 | 32.25' | $24,621 | 10 | 7 |
| Moody 42 (Dixon) | $135,000 | 10 | 2 | |
| Contest 40 S | 39.67' | $187,314 | 9 | 3 |
| Contest 45 CS | 44.95' | $552,517 | 9 | 5 |
| Moody 42 | 41.79' | $66,102 | 8 | 3 |
| Contest 43 | 42.65' | $193,204 | 7 | 4 |
| Comfortina 42 | 42.19' | $206,163 | 7 | 3 |
| Contest 42 | $96,602 | 1 | 1 |
| Country | Median Price (USD) | Listings (past 12 months) | Recent (90d) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | $96,602 | 1 | 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a used Contest 42 cost?
- The median asking price for a used Contest 42 over the past 12 months is $96,602. Prices vary by condition, year, equipment, and location.
- How many Contest 42 sailboats are for sale?
- We have tracked 1 Contest 42 listings over the past 12 months, with 1 listed within the last 90 days.
- Are Contest 42 prices going up or down?
- The median asking price for the Contest 42 has remained stable over the last 3 months compared to the 12-month average.
- What are similar sailboats to the Contest 42?
- Comparable models include the Contest 38s, Pilothouse 42, Valiant 42. See the comparison table above for pricing and availability.