Contest 43 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Handling the Contest 43 requires an appreciation for momentum. With a displacement that leans toward the heavier side of the performance-cruiser spectrum, the boat is not a light-air sprinter but excels as the wind climbs above 12 knots. The hull features a moderate-fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, a configuration praised for its directional stability and protection against underwater debris. According to technical documentation from Dick Zaal Yacht Design, the hull form emphasizes a comfortable motion at sea, minimizing the "hobby-horsing" effect common in shorter-waterline vessels.

The boat was offered in both sloop and ketch rig configurations. While the sloop provides better upwind performance and less aerodynamic drag, the ketch is frequently favored by shorthanded bluewater cruisers for its ability to balance the helm using the mizzen and to "reef by the yard" in heavy weather. Owners often report that the boat feels exceptionally balanced under a shortened sail plan, maintaining steerage and composure even in Force 7 conditions. The high ballast-to-displacement ratio ensures a stiff ride, allowing the 43 to carry full sail longer than more modern, light-displacement designs.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Contest 43 is a masterclass in traditional teak joinery. As a center-cockpit design, it maximizes the aft section of the hull to provide a cavernous owner's suite, often featuring a centerline island berth—a luxury that was revolutionary for a 43-footer at the time of its debut. The layout typically includes a linear galley in the walk-through to the aft cabin, providing security for the cook while underway by allowing them to brace against the engine box or cabinetry.

Variations of the model exist primarily in the cabin configurations and the choice of wood finishes. While the two-cabin layout is the most common—providing massive storage and a dedicated, forward-facing navigation station—some hulls were finished with a three-cabin arrangement to accommodate larger families or charter guests. The use of high-quality materials is evident in the thick solid-teak cappings and the heavy-duty, stainless-steel framed portlights. Contest Yachts notes that their builds from this era were focused on semi-customization, meaning interior details like upholstery finishes and cabinetry specifics can vary significantly between individual hulls.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Synthesizing decades of owner feedback and surveyor reports, prospective buyers should focus on the following technical areas:

• Teak Deck Integrity: Most Contest 43s were delivered with hand-laid teak decks. After 30 years, these are often at the end of their service life. Check for thinning wood and failing caulking, which can lead to moisture ingress into the deck core.
• Standing Rigging & Chainplates: Given the blue-water nature of these vessels, many have seen heavy use. Original rigs must be replaced, and special attention should be paid to the chainplates, which are robustly built but can suffer from crevice corrosion where they pass through the deck.
• Gelcoat & Osmosis: While Contest hulls are known for their thickness, early 80s builds did not always use vinylester resins in the outer layers. A thorough hull survey for osmotic blistering is standard protocol for this vintage.
• Rudder Bearing Wear: The skeg-hung rudder is a safety feature, but the lower bronze or composite bearing can wear over time. Buyers should check for excessive "play" in the steering system during a haul-out.

Community & Resources

The Contest Owners Club is the primary hub for technical exchange and historical documentation. This organization maintains an archive of original drawings and manuals for legacy models like the 43 and hosts rallies that celebrate the brand's Dutch heritage.

The Verdict

The Contest 43 remains one of the most respected mid-sized bluewater cruisers on the brokerage market. It is a vessel for the sailor who prioritizes build quality and safety over light-air speed or modern, wide-stern interior volume.

• Pros:
  • Exceptional "overbuilt" construction quality suitable for ocean crossings.
  • Substantial interior volume, specifically in the private aft owner's cabin.
  • Predictable, sea-kindly motion that reduces crew fatigue.
  • Strong resale value supported by the manufacturer's enduring reputation.
• Cons:
  • High maintenance costs associated with aging teak decks and premium joinery.
  • Heavy displacement results in sluggish performance in winds below 10 knots.
  • The traditional draft may limit access to some shallow cruising grounds like the Bahamas.