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Before you do anything, get it Marine Surveyed by someone that knows what they are doing and not a check off list type person.  They can tell you alot about the boat and save you money if the boat is not what they say it is.  Also, look at the basic parts for structure soundness, ie chain plates, standing rigging, sails conditions (look at them fully) sheets/ropes for aging or conditions, etc.  The AM-FM radio is just extra.  Make sure the desking is sound, you can read alot about that on this forum.  Just make sure you have great structural/sound boat then offer $20,000 CND as you are look for a boat first, not the extras.  They just help the selling if need be.  Good Luck and you will have to tell us the Boat's # for our Contessa 26 List. jklee

As we all know, our Contessa are cozy with its small cabin space.  For two people to pass each other in the cabin is challenge.  Today people want the head and feet room with a lounge full of luxery that includes a table (though for this 5'3" kid it is just right for me).  Thus the smallest boat I have seen at a show is the Hunter 30' and it was just a day sailing type of boat to me.  I did not go below to truly look at it.  Also, a Contessa 26 is built with 45% of its weight below water line, which gives it its stability.  One can not do this with today's new boats.  This is one of the main reasons I choose this boat and besides, the Contessa 26 is for sailing in all weather conditions and across the 7-seas to new lands that need exploring, not for hopping around a few islands with a fancy hotel loungy below.  Just a few of my thoughts on the issue.  Cheers, jklee

I still put anti-freeze in the bilge because the pug is not truly at the bottom and I had some water there after pulling my plug.  Also, I did take my battery home but on the oil, I was going to change it out in the Spring, not thinking it needed in the winter, next fall I will do this.  I took my mast down so I could cover over my boat with a tarp plus I have some wiring and a new light and wind indicator to put on the mast in the spring.  The mast help make a nice rigdeline for the tarp so no water would collect, as it did no another boat in the Marina when I was doing mine.  It took 4-hours by myself and wind to put the tarp on so find help, I used 20'x35' extra strenght from Hamilton Marine in Maine.  Also, I opened all the cubby holes in the cabin area so air can move and mold will not grew (a big concern of mine as I check out a Contessa 26 last spring in Vermont that was covered with mold and it was raped in plastic) plus put in mosture tubs to help with this.  There is nothing in the boat as I pulled everything out and stored it my place.  Hope this helps.  jklee

I wonder if Adrian can post it on this website for others to read, as I would enjoy reading it too.  jklee

Since I am not one to drive into a big city, I stayed at Holiday Inn in Oakville, ON just west of Toronto at the end of the GO train system (on the weekends plus just a 2 minute walk from the hotel) last year.  The train took me right to the Boat Show or into downtown Toronto.  There are most likely other places closer but I limit myself to some form of public transit (train & subway - mostly) that are close by to get me to Boat Show.  But I am game on better option if any of the locals know of them.  So far, 6 people are interested, any others?

Thank you for the pictures.  You look to have put some time into your companionway and it shows!  In measuring my companionway, I only need a 2x4 sheet of mahogany to make it.  Next I need to figure out the other parts to gather up for it.  Thanks again.  jklee

Seeadler,  You have a picture of this.  This is kind of what I was thinking.  Thanks for the info!

To the forum in the Toronto, Canada region and beyond (this includes the USA area down to Pennsylannia at least).  The 2007 Toronto Boat Show is coming up on January 13 or 14th for 9 days (2 weekends).  I was wondering if we like to have a get together at the boat show and/or someplace else close by.  I will most likely wonder that way again this year to look at some venders and see who is giving talks.  It would be great to see other contessa and non-contessa owners to liven up the non-sailing season.  Is there any interest or comments?  We have to figure out where to gather at the boat show and/or place to go as group?  Local people would be great assistance here.  What dates, 1st or 2nd weekend? etc?  We have 10+ weeks until then but it be nice to see if this can sail early.  Please, comments good or bad. jklee

Question, why are there 3 jib sheet lines on Contessa 26?  1 - head sail, 1- spinnaker and 1 - ?  Does anyone use the other two sheets besides the head sail?  I have no thoughts on using a spinnaker. I am replacing all my lines this next season as my were all moldy when I got the boat this summer.  I was wondering if there is any reason for buying 2 more jibs sheet lines, as I got one for the head sail already.  If they are needed, should they be 3/8" or can they they be small diameter and why?  If not needed, does one need to keep the clutch for that side of the boat? thanks, jklee

What is a polar plot diagram?

Actually, I had the mail set on 2nd reefing point yesterday but wind was a bit much for me to raise it.  Besides, my 130 pounds at times got thrown around when I just tried to tack and unwinch/winch in the headsail sheets!  Anyway, I have figured out the reefing process but it is unreefing with the three lever system at goose neck that catches as I try to pull the rope back through.