Contest 41, a good buy?

[Captain Krook]

Hi everybody! My wife and I are considering buying a Contest 41 (from the Dutch manufacturer Conyplex). There are no tests or reviews to find on the net. Does anybody have knowledge of this particular model or of Contest yachts from the eighties in general? The 41 is a Dick Zaal design. We want a yacht that is good for offshore cruising on the North Sea. It will only be the two of us. We value stability, smooth movements and safety.

[nhschneider]

My wife and I own a 1984 Contest 48 and we have sailed over 50,000 miles aboard her - since November of last year we've covered over 6,800 miles. Unfortunately, I know nothing about the Contest 41 but our boat was also designed by Dick Zaal, who has been remarkably responsive to my emails over the years.

Our boat is very well built and has aged gracefully, despite the hard miles we've covered in her. We have upgraded all of her original systems but she still has her original masts. In 2000 we removed her teak decks, added three layers of glass and painted - a decision we're glad we made.

All boats represent a compromise of some sort so whether the boat you're considering is a good value or not will depend much on what you're looking for. We didn't get a bargain price when we bought our Contest but twenty years later we still think it was the right decision.

Good luck, fair winds and calm seas.

[HankOnthewater]

I am sure you have checked the designs as they are available on the net, if not, just google "dick zaal". Hmmm, I am sure, well fairly sure he did the design for the Contest 41.
There is also an Contest owners' club, very active and my experience is that they respond happily to any questions:
http://www.cyoc.nl/

I have been on some yachts by Dick Zaal, and they always impressed me (particularly the aluminium ones) and my only sailing experience is with a Black Pearl design (also around 41 ft), with centreboard, did sail OK, but interior layout was non-traditional.

[barnakiel]

A Dick Zaal / Conyplex boat. This implies very good design / structure and it sails well too.

All the ones I have seen were getting a little bit long in the tooth. Worn decks are common unless an ex replaced.

I remember seeing a wing ballast on one. This will be a trap catcher.

Basically an alternative to a HR of the same size and era.

I believe I have seen ketches. Not really necessary for a 41'. A sloop will sail better.

If you want a heavy boat with nice furniture that sails well and protects you in the cockpit, this is something you will like.

If you are in a light area or planning crossing the tropics, make sure the engine is new or else in bristol shape.

Cheers,
b.

[boatman61]

Good strong boats..
Contest 41 sloop | Dick Zaal Yachtdesign

[meirriba]

Originally Posted by Captain Krook

Hi everybody! My wife and I are considering buying a Contest 41 (from the Dutch manufacturer Conyplex). There are no tests or reviews to find on the net. Does anybody have knowledge of this particular model or of Contest yachts from the eighties in general? The 41 is a Dick Zaal design. We want a yacht that is good for offshore cruising on the North Sea. It will only be the two of us. We value stability, smooth movements and safety.

Any Contest is excellent boat. If the size and price are right there is nothing to hesitate about the builder. One of the best.

[bvander]

Crewed on one from Norfolk to BVIs. Very seakindly, strong boat, sailed well.
CC ketch, really liked her, nice layout.

[Cadence]

It is nice to see so many positive replies to a post re: a particular brand and designer.

[Captain Krook]

Thanks guys for all the answers. It does seem lika a good buy.

[Sandero]

I have a 36s and know the 41 ketch... I don't think it's a terribly fast boat but they are beautiful. I was commission to do a half hull model for one owner about 25 years ago.