The technical details are as follows:
Shape: Roundbilged hull
Deck design: Teak on GRP
Hull: Polyester (GRP)
Keel: Finkeel
Rudder: Rudder in skeg
Length: 12.20m
Beam: 3.85m
Draft:1.95m
Displacement: Approx 13 tons
Ballast: Approx 5 tons
Designer Dick Zaal
Built: 1997
Rig type: Sloop rigged
Fuel tank: 350 liters
Water tank: 500 liters
Layout
Hydrovane self steering system
Installing the Hydrovane
The new model of the Contest 40 (Contest 42) has a sugar scoop. On my boat, this scoop has been laminated onto the hull at a later stage. As a result, the scoop can not be reached from inside the boat so I had to drill an inspection hole in the swimming platform in order to fix the backing plates and nuts of the clamps. In retrospect an easy job to carry out. I guess the actual hurdle was more of a psychological nature: drilling a big hole in your boat..
Steering wheel
I replaced the original steering wheel with a smaller one to make moving around in the cockpit easier. Maybe it looks less sporty, but as a solo sailor I hardly touch the steering wheel anyway.
Solar panels
I have installed 2 x 90 W panels and 1 x 55W. The 90 Watt panels are attached to the lifelines and can be set in any position (-90 to +90 degrees). Due to the reflection of sunlight in the water they even generate power when in vertical position, especially at sunrise and sunset. So far, I have been able to generate sufficient power. I have of course replaced all cabin and navigation lights with LED's.
Rope cutter
Some say they don't work.. Naturally, it won't cut through an entire fishing net or steel cable. Yet, it will cut through much of the pieces of rope floating around. In addition, even when hitting a fishing net, it might just give you a few more seconds to stop the engine before your gearbox falls to bits.
