Design Brief & Hull Pedigree
The design brief for the Contest 58 focused on absolute structural integrity, fast average speeds on long passages, and unmatched comfort in heavy weather. Conyplex constructed the hull using a robust hand-laid, round-bilged solid fiberglass laminate for the hull, supported by a massive integrated structural grid system to absorb rig and keel loads. The deck utilizes a balsa-cored GRP sandwich structure to optimize the yacht's center of gravity.
A defining feature of the model's underbody is its wing keel. Peterson designed this profile to achieve a moderate draft of approximately 7.55 feet, allowing the yacht access to restricted coastal harbors and marinas without sacrificing the hydrodynamic lift or stability typically associated with deeper draft profiles. This design is paired with a heavy rudder hung on a robust, full-depth skeg, which provides excellent tracking and essential protection against collision with marine debris.
The interior styling was handled by the celebrated designer Pieter Beeldsnijder. His touch elevated the boat above standard production models of the era, introducing soft curves, premium hand-selected teak or mahogany joinery, and meticulously integrated storage systems. The fit and finish are exceptional, characterized by solid-wood trim, flawless grain matching, and highly durable marine hardware that remains functional decades after construction.
Sailing Performance & Seaway Handling
With a massive displacement of 70,547 pounds, the Contest 58 is a momentum-driven yacht. A displacement-to-length ratio of 272.34 confirms its heavy-displacement classification, indicating that the hull is designed to slice cleanly through a seaway rather than bounce over it. When head seas turn chaotic, this displacement allows the boat to easily carry its momentum through waves, minimizing pounding and maintaining steady speeds.
The physical reality of this design is illustrated by its comfort ratio of 51.04. This is an extraordinarily high figure, representing a motion comfort that is virtually non-existent in modern, light-displacement production cruisers. The boat experiences slow, gentle roll cycles, minimizing crew fatigue during multi-day ocean passages. Safety is further emphasized by a capsize screening ratio of 1.59. Well below the industry-standard ceiling of 2.0, this figure indicates a highly stable hull form with exceptional resistance to roll-overs and a strong positive righting moment.
This stability is enhanced by a 40.63% ballast-to-displacement ratio, indicating that nearly 13 tons of the yacht's weight is positioned low in its wing keel. This makes the Contest 58 incredibly stiff, capable of carrying full sail well into the upper-teens of wind speed before requiring a reef. The sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 16.86 reflects a balanced, easily managed cutter rig. It is powerful enough to drive the heavy hull efficiently in moderate air, while ensuring the loads remain manageable for a short-handed couple using modern furling systems and electric winches.
Accommodations & Layout Configurations
Designed primarily for extended living aboard, the Contest 58 features a highly functional center-cockpit layout. This deck configuration places the helm and cockpit high and dry amidships, well away from bow spray, while carving out a vast, secure volume below deck.
- Owner's Suite Aft: A magnificent full-beam stateroom featuring a centerline double berth, extensive hanging lockers, a dedicated vanity or writing desk, and an ensuite head with a fully enclosed stall shower.
- Forward Guest Cabins: Forward of the main bulkhead, guest accommodations are split. To port, a double-berth cabin provides excellent comfort for couples. To starboard, a bunk cabin with twin pullman-style berths serves as an ideal sea-berth configuration. These cabins share a forward head compartment.
- Crew/Skipper Cabin: Accessible from the deck or through the port guest cabin, this bow compartment features twin V-berths and basic facilities, which owners often convert into a dedicated sail-locker or workshop.
- The Main Saloon: Features a large U-shaped dining area to port and a comfortable settee to starboard, all finished in premium leather upholstery. Adjacent is a navigation station of ship-like proportions and a secure, walk-through linear galley that leads aft along the port side, offering excellent engine room access.
Known Issues & Lifespan Maintenance
The primary maintenance concern is the condition of the teak deck. Conyplex installed thick, high-quality teak decks on these models, but like all yachts of this vintage, they were mechanically fastened through the GRP sandwich deck. Over three decades of UV exposure and weathering can degrade the caulking and wear the teak planks thin. If water penetrates the screw holes, it can compromise the balsa core of the deck sandwich. Remediating a wet deck core and replacing or removing a traditional teak deck is a labor-intensive project that can easily escalate into a significant financial commitment.
The mechanical systems also require careful assessment. The original propulsion on these vessels is typically a Volvo Penta TAMD series marine diesel engine. While these 200-horsepower, six-cylinder engines are highly reliable and provide excellent cruising speeds under power, they require meticulous cooling system maintenance. The copper-nickel heat exchangers can suffer from scale buildup and galvanic corrosion if anodes were neglected. Parts availability for these older Volvo models can be challenging and expensive compared to modern, high-volume marine diesels.
Modernization & Upgrades
Many surviving Contest 58 hulls have undergone extensive refits to adapt them to modern cruising standards. The most significant upgrades focus on deck restoration and power management.
When the original teak decks reach the end of their useful life, many owners elect to strip the wood entirely, repair any soft spots in the balsa core, and refinish the deck with premium non-skid paint, or install high-end synthetic decking such as Esthec or Flexiteek. These synthetic options eliminate the thousands of screw holes of traditional laid teak while preserving the classic aesthetic and heat-dampening properties of wood.
The electrical systems are another common target for modernization. High-capacity Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery banks are frequently integrated to replace the original heavy, lead-acid house banks. Combined with high-output alternators, smart regulators, and modern solar arrays, these upgrades allow owners to run heavy consumers like air conditioning and watermakers directly off the inverter, drastically reducing the run-time of the onboard diesel generator.
The Verdict
The Contest 58 is a rare, elite-tier bluewater cruiser that represents a high-water mark for traditional Dutch yacht building. For cruisers seeking a safe, stable, and luxurious platform for transoceanic voyaging, its exceptional construction and ocean-conquering motion comfort make it a compelling alternative to more common production designs. However, buyers must be prepared for the financial realities of maintaining a complex, aging yacht of this scale.
Pros
- Legendary structural construction from the Conyplex yard, built to withstand extreme offshore conditions.
- Exceptional motion comfort and high stability in a seaway, reducing crew fatigue.
- Thoughtful underbody design featuring a moderate-draft wing keel and a fully skeg-hung rudder.
- Magnificent, high-quality Pieter Beeldsnijder interior layout with excellent liveaboard volume.
Cons
- Extremely rare on the brokerage market, making it difficult to find a vessel with a documented history.
- High risk of costly teak deck replacement and potential balsa core moisture issues.
- Aging Volvo Penta TAMD engines can be expensive to maintain and source replacement parts for.
- Significant displacement can make the boat feel sluggish in very light air without specialized downwind sails.
