Contest 38S

Details

• Make: Contest
• Model: 38S
• Engine Make & Model: Volvo Penta MD2003T
• Horsepower: 43
• Fuel Type: Diesel
• Price: £87,500
• Location: In Newcastle upon Tyne
• Keel: Wing
• Hull Construction: Fibreglass (GRP)
• Drive Type: Shaft driven 3-bladed Featherstream propeller

Dimensions

• Beam: 3.66m
• Draft: 1.65m
• LOA: 11.37m
• Air Draft: 15.16m
• Displacement: 8748kg
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 240l
• Water Tank Capacity: 350 Litresl
• Builder: Contest Yachts - Conyplex
• Designer: Dick Zaal
• Hull Type: Monohull

Summary

‘Nandi’ is without a doubt, the best equipped and maintained Contest 38S on the market today. I might even be tempted to state ‘that has ever existed’ as she is immaculate inside and out. Those who view will be delighted by the level of preventative and scheduled maintenance that her present custodians have put into her.
If you are looking for a genuine blue water cruiser that you can spend extended periods on then you need to seriously consider this yacht. At 85K, she represents real value. There is nothing to do to this boat apart from fill the fridge and cast off.
Upgrades that add value include NEW bowthruster, NEW Raymarine electronic navigation package, NEW batteries and smart charger and NEW standing rigging. I could go on and on.
Wintered ashore every year since new either in covered storage or under a bespoke all over cover. Her hull deck and topsides are showing the benefit of this. Currently afloat and ready to view.

Mechanical

Vessel powered by a Volvo Penta MD2003T inboard diesel engine. This 3-cylinder work horse is situated in a large, illuminated engine space beneath the cockpit sole. Access is either from the front via the companionway steps or from the large removable side panel in the corridor from the saloon to the aft cabin. Her present custodian is a stickler for maintenance and as well as an annual service to both engine and gearbox, the coolant is changed bi-annually and the raw water heat exchanger is flushed with antifreeze solution.
Reduction gearbox driving a stainless-steel shaft and a three bladed feathering Featherstream propeller via an Aquaflex coupling and thrust beaing. In 2022, the propeller shaft was replaced along with cutlass bearing, repacking of the stuffing boxes and a new rope cutter installed.
Engine start panel mounted in a cockpit coaming adjacent to the wheel. Audible and visual warning lights on panel for temperature, oil pressure and charging. Single lever morse control mounted on steering binnacle.

• 1600 serviced hours completed
• New forward engine mounts in 2022
• New Starter motor in 2024
• New Fuel lift pump in 2023
• Featherstream propeller refurbished by Darglow Engineering in 2022
• Heat exchanger & Oil cooler stripped/cleaned and all new water system seals replaced - 2023
• New fuel gauge - 2024

Electrical

12/240V power on board. Bank of 3x12V 130AH AGM domestic batteries providing power to the anchor windlass, and onboard systems. There is a single 12V, 105AH AGM engine start battery and a single 12V Optima bowthruster battery. All the domestic bank was replaced in 2023.
12/240V distribution panel at chart table with fused selector switches.
Battery bank is fitted with an isolator at chart table and are recharged via the engine alternator or the onboard Sterling 40A smart charger. The charger is located in the engine space and a remote panel is located at the chart table.

• Sterling battery charger - 2023
• SmartGauge plus Smartbank split charge/battery monitoring sytem - 2020
• 60-060 Ammeter + Shunt - 2024

Rigging

Deck stepped anodised aluminium, twin spreader mast and boom with rod kicker. This is the 10% taller rig that was offered as an option at time of build. Stainless steel standing rigging replaced in 2020. All running rigging has been replaced on an ongoing basis and is good condition. The topmost section of the mast was fitted with a set of two steps in 2020. Masthead navigation light bulbs changed to LED. Furlex roller furling headsail system with furling line and sheets led aft to helm. In mast furling mainsail with vertical battens. Enkes primary, self-tailing winches within easy reach of helm makes shorthanded sailing a reality. Additional halyard winches mounted on mast.
Sails are by De Vries and include a vertically battened furling main, a roller reefing headsail with UV strip and a cruising chute with snuffer and sheets. All sails are regularly laundered and in excellent condition.

• New standing rigging 2020
• Furlex roller furling foresail system
• De Vries Foam luff genoa
• De Vries vertically battened roller furling mainsail
• Andersen 28ST 2-speed mast mounted winches
• Enkes 28ASC 2-speed primary winches in cockpit
• Enkes 22ASC 2-speed main furling/outhaul winch in cockpit
• Harken genoa winch in cockpit
• Detachable inner forestay with tensioner

Navigation

• Raymarine 12" Axiom 2 Pro Multi function display with UK C-Map Cartography - NEW 2023
• iPad at chart table repeats the Axiom display via the Raymarine app
• 2 off Raymarine i70S multi displays - NEW 2021
• Raymarine P70S Autopilot display unit - NEW 2021
• Raymarine DST 810 Smart Triducer - NEW 2022
• Raymarine Wind transducer - NEW 2021
• Raymarine Evolution ACU 400 Autopilot - NEW 2021
• Raymarine EV1 Sensor core - NEW 2021
• NMEA 2000 ST Ng Backbone - NEW 2021
• Em Trak SOTDMA AIS transceiver - NEW 2020
• Standard Horizon GX1850 DSC VHF with inbuilt GPS + Command Mic at helm - NEW 2020
• Sailor C4901 DSC VHF backup set at chart table - Switchable VHF Antenna
• ICOM M35 HH VHF
• VDO Standalone colour chart plotter with GPS - Integrated with AIS
• Furuno Standalone 24 Nautical Mile Radar
• Philips GPS
• Clock & Barometer Set
• Navigation lights with LED bulbs at masthead

Deck

• Lewmar Ocean vertical anchor windlass - New motor and gearbox in 2025
• Deck mounted and hand held controls for windlass
• Rocna 20KG Anchor with 50M stainless steel chain and Kong swivel
• Stainless steel Bruce kedge anchor with 50M webbing mounted on stainless steel reel
• CQR Bower anchor
• Boarding ladder
• 2 off boathhoks
• Outboard engine mount

Safety

• Seago 4-Man Canister liferaft with mount. - Serviced 2025
• McMurdo Smartfind EPIRB + GPS
• Horseshoe buoy with light and throwing line
• Danbuoy
• Fire extinguishers - NEW 2025
• Electric horn
• Remote control gas valve

Canvas

• Cockpit enclosure - NEW 2025
• Hatch covers
• Bespoke all over Winter cover - Annual service

Miscellaneous

• Mooring warps
• Fenders
• Winch handles
• Cockpit cushions

Accommodation

As you would expect from a boat builder of repute, the interior of this yacht is beautiful thanks to the top-quality hand-crafted materials used. The interior joinery is a mixture of solid and veneered teak finished in a satin varnish. The flooring is teak and holly laminate and similar to the cabinet work is in excellent condition.
The internal layout is superb for the cruising couple who want to spend extended periods away and indeed was one of the reasons the present custodians purchased her. The aft cabin is a delight with an offset double berth, plentiful storage cupboards and even has a handy sink.
Guests are catered for too and the forward cabin with twin berths offer comfortable luxury.
Accommodation is accessed via the sliding companionway. A set of gently sloping wooden steps lead below where you can’t help but be impressed by the amount of natural light emanating from the portlights and hatches and the full standing headroom throughout the vessel.

Immediately to port is the U-shaped galley with white, easy clean worktops, double stainless-steel sinks and hot and cold pressurised water. Large storage cupboard below.
Techimpex, Gas fuelled oven with 3-burner hob with a protective cover that forms part of the countertop when not in use. Top loading refrigerator with drain and separate ice compartment. Deep hull mounted storage cupboards.

Opposite the galley is the forward-facing chart table/navigation area. Padded seat with storage below, chart desk with storage, chart reading light and electronic navigation aids including DSC VHF and iPad with Navionics cartography. 12/240V switch panel with illuminated selector switches for on board systems.

Aft of the chart table and accessed via a corridor is the aforementioned double berthed aft cabin with offset double berth and dressing seat/settee adjacent. This cabin has a hanging wardrobe as well as lots hull mounted storage cupboards. Light and ventilation from fixed port lights and opening deck hatches. 12V reading lights and heating outlet for the Webasto diesel fired heating system.

The relaxing saloon area is situated midships. There is a settee to starboard with three cupboards above and a 12V flat screen TV mounted on the forward bulkhead. The TV is mounted on a hinged bracket and can be moved to suit where the viewer is seated. Opposite is the L-shaped seating/dinette with drop leaved extending table. Again, this has three hull mounted cupboards above. This area will provide two decent single berths if required. Saloon berths fitted with hinged lee boards

In the bow is the guest cabin with twin berths, infill and cushion and hull mounted cupboards and opening deck hatch.
Between the saloon and the forward cabin is the full width heads compartment with Jabsco marine toilet, oval porcelain sink with pull out shower, double storage cupboards mounted outboard and shower sump pump out beneath a teak grate in the floor.
Opposite is two huge storage cupboards currently used for spares.

• Webasto diesel fired heating to all cabins and saloon
• All interior cushins re-upholstered in 2018
• Pioneer S720 DAB music system with internal and cockpit speakers
• Intruder alarm
• AVTEX AV249TS Smart TV - NEW 2025
• Stainless steel holding tank for heads discharge
• Hot pressurised water from engine or Calorifier - NEW element 2022
• New fresh water pump and accumulator - 2025

Construction

GRP constructed yacht with wing ballast keel and counter, skeg mounted spade rudder. White high gloss topsides with smart aqua blue coveline striping. Moulded rubbing strake with insert. Stainless steel stem head fitting with heavy duty nylon anchor roller. The hull topsides and superstructure are cleaned and machine polished annually prior to launch in the Spring. Under water areas antifouled in April 2025. Transom with stainless steel boarding ladder with teak tread.
Hand laid teak to decks, coach roof and cockpit. Aft deck with storage locker to starboard and self-draining gas locker to port. Moving forward is safe and secure thanks to the stanchions with double set of coated wire and the handily placed grab handles on coach roof and hard top. Anchor locker in bow with flush fitting lid. Lewmar vertical mounted windlass with deck and handheld controls. Windlass had a new motor and gearbox fitted in 2025. Self-draining chain locker.
Comfortable cockpit with leather covered steering wheel mounted to central GRP binnacle. Self-bailing cockpit with helm seat locker with storage below. Access to deep sail locker on starboard side. All locker tops finished in solid teak. Solid teak cockpit table with extending leaves. Factory fitted hart top constructed fro GRP, teak and aluminium. Central window opens allowing through flow of air. Removable rear cockpit enclosure with stainless steel frame.

• Vetus 6hp bowthruster - NEW 2025
• Lewmar anchor windlass with NEW motor and gearbox in 2025
• Rudder rebuilt with new shaft and tangs - 2022
• Rudder bearing replaced - 2022
• Stainless steel skeg shoe fitted - 2022
• Annual hull and topsides polish
• Wintered ashore every year

Disclaimer

For a full, detailed specification with additional photographs and direct contact details for the listing office visit our website

The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.

Unless otherwise stated on the specification sheet the following presumptions are made
- Sail drive and shaft seals are more than 5 years of age
- Fuel and gas hoses and regulators are over 5 years old
- Standing rigging and sails are more than 10 years old

Please note that as the broker/agent, we cannot guarantee or warrant the serviceability of any safety equipment included within the inventory, including but not limited to the condition, operation, or service dates of such equipment. It is the responsibility of the buyer to thoroughly inspect and assess the condition of all safety equipment prior to purchase.

NOTE - Please ring our offices prior to visiting, as the boat may be unavailable for viewing or located at a different marina.

Contact

boatpoint at Royal Quays Marina

newcastle@boatpoint.co.uk

0191 272 9086