Contest
Contest 42CS
You lift a sole board in the quiet salon of a Contest 42CS expecting the gleam of a "ton of water" from Dutch legend. Under the boards sits a tank of about 381 litres. That is not a listing typo: you are on Georg Nissen's modern 42CS from 2013, not Dick Zaal's classic Contest 42 of 1977–1985, where roughly 1000 L of fresh water really did hide autonomy under the floor. The name trap starts before you even take a line ashore.
From 2013 Conyplex in Medemblik shifted course: vacuum infusion, aft cockpit, twin wheels, a hull about 12.85 × 4.15 m and mass near 11 t. In 2014 the model took European Yacht of the Year in the Luxury Cruiser class. On the used market buyers still mix "Contest 42" cards dated 2003–2009 or Zaal ketches with this CS era. Read the plate and 2013–present years first, then the interior and winch buttons.
This page is for buyers after a semi-custom Dutch cruiser in a compact size who will check what "land" the boat actually carries under the sole. Autonomy on a 42CS rides on systems, range, and build quality, not on a tonne-of-water myth from another plate. A shoal keel exists; standard draft is about 2.2 m. If a listing quotes 13.70 m LOA without a bowsprit note, reconcile it with the 12.85 m hull figure.
Under sail the 42CS feels shorter than many charter neighbours of the same nominal feet, yet quieter and wider in the salon: mahogany or pale oak does not cancel the plate check. Twin wheels and a swim platform signal a modern cruise, not a 1970s ocean ketch. On survey, lift the same sole board and ask the broker which tank volume the advert actually describes.
At a glance
Quick facts
- Production
- 2013+
- LOA
- 12.85 m
- Beam
- 4.15 m
- Model
- Contest 42CS
Key takeaways
- Best for: Georg Nissen Dutch 42CS aft-cockpit cruiser (2013–present, EYOTY 2014); sole 1000→381 L name trap
- Common issue: deck-hardware bedding and composite repair on infused hulls
- Typical price: premium Dutch band; reject 2003–2009 cards and classic Zaal plates
Technical data
- Length overall (LOA)
- 12.85 m
- Beam
- 4.15 m
- Production years
- 2013+
Design history
The Contest 42CS has been built since 2013 to Georg Nissen's design as Conyplex's CS series: lighter than the classic ketches, with sandwich and vacuum infusion. EYOTY 2014 locked in the yard's shift. Dick Zaal's classic Contest 42 (about 1977–1985, roughly 32 hulls, different dims and about 1000 L water) is another boat. Years 2003–2009 on cards for this model are catalogue drift. Page canon: 42CS / Nissen / 2013–present / 12.85 × 4.15. Even if the catalogue itself routes Contest 42 to 42CS, that does not replace reading the plate on the live hull.
Typical problems
Buyer FAQ
- Is this Dick Zaal's Contest 42 with a 1000 L tank?
No. Under contest-42/42CS this page means Nissen's Contest 42CS from 2013; Zaal's classic has other years, other dims, and about 1000 L. Read the plate before the salon photos pull you in.
- Why do cards show 2003–2009?
Catalogue drift. For the 42CS keep 2013 and an open end of production, not a 2003–2009 window.
- How much fresh water does a 42CS carry under the sole?
Public reviews and brochures usually list about 381 L (about 366 L in recent specifications), not a tonne. If copy says "1000 L" under Contest 42 without CS, check whether you are looking at the classic.
- How hard is vacuum-infused hull repair?
The hull is durable and not prone to osmosis, but serious damage needs craftsmen who work modern composites, not any plastic shop.
- Is there a shoal-draft version?
Yes, a shortened keel was offered; the standard about 2.2 m keel works better upwind.
- Why two steering wheels?
On a wide stern, twin wheels give sail view from either side and a clear path to the swim platform.
Annual ownership costs
Annual cost for a Contest 42CS usually splits beyond the berth into sail automation and premium timber care. Figures below are a family ownership corridor, not a yard quote.
| Item | From (€) | To (€) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berth (12.85 m) | 4500 | 7800 | Hull length |
| Systems and sails | 2800 | 5200 | Winches |
| Winter storage | 1600 | 3100 | Hardstand |
| Engine and hotel | 1100 | 2400 | Hours |
| Annual total | ~10000 | ~18500 | Baseline |
Take engine hours and automation service from this hull's invoices, not the advert.
Pre-purchase survey checklist
- Plate and years: Contest 42CS / Nissen / from 2013; reject a Zaal card and a 2003–2009 window.
- Water tank: match the tank to brochure figures (about 381 L), not the "1000 L" myth.
- Steering: twin-wheel sync, cables or rods, play.
- Keel: standard about 2.2 m or shoal; attachment and torque.
- Hull: gelcoat, impact marks; use a composite yard for repairs.
- Sail automation: buttons, winches, power.
- Interior and ports: leaks at glazing, veneer condition.
Expert verdict
FairHelm rating: 8.1/10: Lift a sole board on a Georg Nissen Contest 42CS (2013–present, 12.85×4.15, EYOTY 2014) expecting a tonne of water and you find about 381 L - that is the Zaal name trap, not a listing typo. Buy plate and tank check, not a 2003–2009 card.
- Pros
- Dutch Medemblik pedigree, vacuum-infused CS build, and a plate lesson a buyer can verify under the sole.
- Cons
- Deck-hardware bedding, composite repair skills for infused hulls, and systems tickets that scale with automation.
- Who it suits
- Buyers after a semi-custom Dutch cruiser who will match Nissen 42CS on the plate before signing. Confirm shoal vs standard keel and tank volume when opened; reject classic Zaal 1977–1985 cards and 2003–2009 catalogue drift.
Vadim Nareyko, FairHelm Editorial, Last reviewed: 2026-09-11