The Contessa Corner

1985 Contessa #327 ( ex Suselle ) for sale in Port Colborne, Ontario

null@example.com (hammerhead) — Sat, 19 Aug 2023 11:51:51 +0000

Port light frames wanted

null@example.com (Hotdog) — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 15:17:51 +0000

I'm missing one set of small aluminum portlight frame. Any one have an extra our know where to find one???

Also, I'm just going to rivit them on. Hope that's not a bad idea... Eeeeee

Spreader Tips Wanted Update 10/3/22

null@example.com (Dave Aultfather) — Sun, 02 Oct 2022 22:07:22 +0000

I seem to have misplaced the tips for the spreaders on ,y JJT Contessa 26,#320 from 1984.

I would like to buy replacements new or used in good condition.

Update: I found that US Spar, supplier of Z Spar parts, has the new style ends for our Z 95 profile tapered spreaders. I ordered two today.

Douglas 31 for sale

null@example.com (Virago Deb) — Tue, 05 Jul 2022 00:22:51 +0000

I stepped up from my lovely little Contessa to a Douglas 31 but I'm finding it's a bit more boat than I want so I'm going back to my beloved Virago (never sold her...). The Douglas is a 1981 built by J&C Fibrecrafts in Orillia, Ontario, Canada. She is the big sister to a JJT Contessa with similar hull shape and 10 opening ports etc. She has a lovely all teak interior.

I bought her from the original owners that had her custom built. The boat was well cared for but suffered from some neglect as the owners aged and I've been catching up with her care. The Palmer Marine gas engine is a marinized International Cub tractor engine with parts with parts available through auto parts and tractor supply retailers. It has been completely reworked and runs smoothly and reliably. I replaced and/or rebedded all the through hull fittings and sea cocks, and most of the deck fittings. Rebuilt the engine water pump, replaced the exhaust, serviced the carb. I also took the steering apart to clean and lubricate it. I put in a new foot operated galley water pump. The head works fine. The sails are original I think but set well and still have life in them. There is a new furler that came with it but I didn't use it, being a hank-on gal. Anyway, if you're interested contact me via my email as I am rarely on this site anymore. Actually, I'm rarely online.... Selkie Lass would be a good boat for a Contessa fan looking for a bit more boat. $19,500. Canadian dollars. The boat is on Georgian Bay, in Ontario.

Wish to buy a Contessa 26

null@example.com (3246hugh) — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 00:38:38 +0000

Presently sailing a Jeanneau Attalia 32 out of Tobermory, Ontario, Georgian Bay, and plan to downsize this year. Looking for a Co26 in good shape with a strong diesel...(Yanmar/Bukh) prefer a white or off/white hull. We will be listing our Jeanneau for sale this summer, so if there is a Co26 owner wishing to trade up with cash, we can talk.

Mystery copper lines

null@example.com (dknox44) — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 18:38:57 +0000

When my 1972 Taylor-built Contessa was re-engined about 20 years ago with a Yanmar 1GM10, the previous owner cut -- but didn't remove -- a pair of copper lines that apparently connected the old engine to the exhaust thru-hull. Can anyone tell me what purpose these lines served? They are about 1/4 inch in diameter and run along the port-side of the engine compartment back to the exhaust manifold on the transom thru-hull. Thanks.

Boom and sail length

null@example.com (dknox44) — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 16:58:47 +0000

My Contessa has a roller boom that's 3.45 meters long (11 feet, 5 inches). That's nearly a half-meter longer than the standard boom length listed for the Taylor-built Contessa on sailrite.com and sailboatdata.com. I've never used the roller-feature -- slab-reefing works best for me. I'm considering getting a new mainsail with a foot running the full length of the boom, but I'm worried a sail that large would result in weather helm problems. Anybody else have a boom this long? What size mainsail works best with long booms? I appreciate any advice. Thanks. (I've also posted this question on the Technical forum.)

Boom length

null@example.com (dknox44) — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 16:57:26 +0000

New mainsail: fixed or loose foot?

null@example.com (dknox44) — Mon, 04 Oct 2021 23:38:41 +0000

I'm replacing my worn-out mainsail, which has a fixed foot -- the sail slides into a groove along the boom.
I'm considering going with a loose foot. I'm told it would provide more control of the shape of the sail.
Any recommendations?

How many reefing points in the mainsail?

null@example.com (dknox44) — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 01:18:47 +0000

I'm buying a new mainsail for my Contessa. Do I need three reefing points or is two enough?
My homeport is Sandusky, Ohio, in the west end of Lake Erie, but my wife and I plan on exploring the Great Lakes so we have to expect to run into some unexpected weather. Thanks in advance for any recommendations.

SOLD - For sale - Contessa 26 Sailboat -1975 – hull # 161 JJ Taylor

null@example.com (seeadler) — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 00:56:28 +0000

Radar, GPS, solar panel, 12v refrigeration, autohelm self steering, VHF, depth sounder, Yanmar diesel, triple reefing main sail, four jibs, spinnaker, two speed self tailing winches, Monitor windvane autopilot, dual water tanks, steel cradle, gimballed two-burner stove

This vessel went through a major refit in 2001. It is outfitted for solo ocean sailing. I spent 13 months sailing to Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean without an issue. It is setup to take you anywhere in any conditions. With a little preparation, you could be on your way to Europe in the spring or south to the Caribbean next fall.

Laying Lake Simcoe north of Toronto

2013 survey available
Price $8,800

Wiring Diagram

null@example.com (Mketchum) — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 12:46:59 +0000

I am rewiring my 74 and have developed this diagram based on an 8 position breaker panel. Let me know your comments.

Stern Gear Options

null@example.com (Doily) — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 09:52:58 +0000

What is the best option for stern gear please to keep vibration to a minimum (assuming correct alignment and the 3/4" shaft is straight)?
My engine is on flexible mounts and there is very little vibration when idling. I have the usual cutless bearing at the prop end; and the stern tube ends at a mini bulkhead (it does not protrude through the bulkhead towards the engine).
Bolted to the bulkhead is a rigid stern gland with a flange and there is an R&D coupling at the gearbox end. I have a lot of vibration when above 2000 engine rpm which could be due to many causes of course and this winter I want to remove and check everything and, if necessary replace to achieve a good setup. I always think the R&D is not flexible enough, particularly with the CO26's long shaft. It just seems like a lump of hard plastic to me - but I could be wrong.
I'm considering having a rigid coupling at the gearbox and a flexible (i.e. with a short hose), flanged stern gland. As I'm fiscally challenged a posh set up with two cv joints and a thrust bearing is out of my range.
I would be very grateful for your thoughts. Thank you.

Yanmar 1 GM 10

null@example.com (Mketchum) — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 18:53:40 +0000

Installing a Yanmar 1 GM 10 (used) in my 74. I had to move the engine forward from the Westerbeke Vire position, which means I need a new shaft (not a problem) and a new propeller. Can anyone tell me what size prop to get?

thanks
Matt

Farewell

null@example.com (and4ew) — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 02:36:43 +0000

I've sold my beloved Co26, Eagh Marrey. Long story short, my family needed the headroom. I know this forum isn't very active lately, but I just wanted to thank anyone who's listening for the advice, comments, and pictures over the last 17 years.

Andrew