Review of Contest 42
Basic specs.
If you have a photo you would like to share: Upload Image
Looking for a new boat? Find a Contest 42 or similar boat for sale
The headroom is above average
The boat can only enter major marinas as the draft is about 2.07 - 2.17 meter (6.79 - 7.09 ft) dependent on the load. See immersion rate below.
Contest 42 is typically equipped with an engine.
The fuel tank has a capacity of 425 liters (112 US gallons, 93 imperial gallons).
Sailing characteristics
This section covers widely used rules of thumb to describe the sailing characteristics. Please note that even though the calculations are correct, the interpretation of the results might not be valid for extreme boats.
What is Capsize Screening Formula (CSF)?
The capsize screening value for Contest 42 is 1.74, indicating that this boat could - if evaluated by this formula alone - be accepted to participate in ocean races.
What is Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed?
The theoretical maximal speed of a displacement boat of this length is 7.7 knots. The term "Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed" is widely used even though a boat can sail faster. The term shall be interpreted as above the theoretical speed a great additional power is necessary for a small gain in speed.
The immersion rate is defined as the weight required to sink the boat a certain level.
The immersion rate for Contest 42 is about 268 kg/cm, alternatively 1500 lbs/inch.
Meaning: if you load 268 kg cargo on the boat then it will sink 1 cm.
Alternatively, if you load 1500 lbs cargo on the boat it will sink 1 inch.
Sailing statistics
This section is statistical comparison with similar boats of the same category. The basis of the following statistical computations is our unique database with more than 26,000 different boat types and 350,000 data points.
What is Motion Comfort Ratio (MCR)?
The Motion Comfort Ratio for Contest 42 is 38.1.
What is L/B (Length Beam Ratio)?
The l/b ratio for Contest 42 is 3.25.
What is Displacement Length Ratio?
The DL-ratio for Contest 42 is 346 which categorizes this boat among 'heavy cruisers'.
What is SA/D (Sail Area Displacement ratio)?
The SA/D for Contest 42 with ISO 8666 reference sail is 10.6, with a 135% genua the SA/D is 12.8.
Maintenance
When buying anti-fouling bottom paint, it's nice to know how much to buy.
The surface of the wet bottom is about 46m2 (495 ft2).
Based on this, your favourite maritime shop can tell you the quantity you need.
Note: If you use a paint roller you will need more paint than if you use a paintbrush.
Dimensions of sail for ketch rig.
Are your sails worn out? You might find your next sail here: Sails for Sale
If you need to renew parts of your running rig and is not quite sure of the dimensions, you may find the estimates computed below useful.
| Usage | Length | Diameter | ||
| Mainsail halyard | 32.6 m | (107.0 feet) | 12 mm | (1/2 inch) |
| Jib/genoa halyard | 32.6 m | (107.0 feet) | 12 mm | (1/2 inch) |
| Spinnaker halyard | 32.6 m | (107.0 feet) | 12 mm | (1/2 inch) |
| Jib sheet | 13.0 m | (42.7 feet) | 14 mm | (0.55 inch) |
| Genoa sheet | 13.0 m | (42.7 feet) | 14 mm | (0.55 inch) |
| Mainsheet | 32.5 m | (106.6 feet) | 14 mm | (0.55 inch) |
| Spinnaker sheet | 28.6 m | (93.8 feet) | 14 mm | (0.55 inch) |
| Cunningham | 3.7 m | (12.1 feet) | 12 mm | (1/2 inch) |
| Kickingstrap | 7.4 m | (24.2 feet) | 12 mm | (1/2 inch) |
| Clew-outhaul | 7.4 m | (24.2 feet) | 12 mm | (1/2 inch) |
This section shown boat owner's changes, improvements, etc. Here you might find inspiration for your boat.
Do you have changes/improvements you would like to share? Upload a photo and describe what to look for.
We are always looking for new photos. If you can contribute with photos for Contest 42 it would be a great help.
If you have any comments to the review, improvement suggestions, or the like, feel free to contact us. Criticism helps us to improve.