When I bought Varuna, she came with a trailer, and it was a hassle to hire someone to tow MY trailer from Detroit to Maine. Eventually I hired a friend, but he insisted on being 1/2 owner, so that he wouldn't be doing the job 'for hire'.... when it arrived, we tore up the bill of sale. As I haul Varuna now on my shore, I have no use for the trailer, so am building a 'tiny house' on it! I lent the trailer once to someone to move his boat, and he used an F-150, and the rig definitely looked shakey.... I understand and F-350 is the right choice. You know, you can pull a 10,000lb trailer with a 14' U-haul box truck if you want to go that way. My advice is to pay someone to do the move with their rig. Remember, if you have your own trailer, you must pay someone to put the boat on it and to unload it. Good luck!
2 2011-08-18 19:53:32
Re: Re Power with a 1GM10 Yanmar - Prop Question (8 replies, posted in Repairs/Modifications/Upgrades)
Varuna was repowered with a Beta 10 in 2008 and has 600 hrs time on her already. Wonderful smooth engine that fit original engine bed after I welded up some new mounts. I decided to try out an 11x10 plastic prop that shows no wear or corrosion after the 600hrs with no zinc. She cruises at 5.2 knots at 2400rpm in calm water and does 6 knots at 3000.
3 2011-08-18 19:46:12
Re: Repower a Contessa with electric? (4 replies, posted in Repairs/Modifications/Upgrades)
Varuna has her original Bukh 8hp when I got her... it gave out one flat calm day out in the middle of Long Island Sound... zero compression due to a corroded head. I replaced it with a 2cyl Beta 10. Sweet! There are electric drives out there, but good luck with finding a place to put the batteries unless you just want enough power to get in and out of the harbor.
4 2011-08-18 19:37:17
Re: Removing head and replacing with porta-pottie - follow up, please. (1 replies, posted in Repairs/Modifications/Upgrades)
Varuna has a porta-pottie that sits on a simple square plywood base mounted level where the old head was. It works fine and is completely smell-free if you use the blue formaldehyde stuff in it... lasts about 2 weeks for two people if you don't pee in it. Emptying the pottie can be a hassle, as they, uh, tend to splash when you empty them into a toilet ashore....sucking them out at a pump out station is neater. I dump mine in the woods when I get back home. When in the ICW in Florida two years ago, a boat roared up with three state cops who boarded one after another of us to inspect our sewage systems for overboard discharges and unlocked Y-valves, but when they got to little me and I said Varuna had a porta-pottie, they didn't even bother to come aboard. Good luck.
5 2006-09-04 06:35:00
Re: Pintles (28 replies, posted in Repairs/Modifications/Upgrades)
Varuna had a fiberglass batten screwed with two small stainless screws to the aft end of the keel to bridge the rudder gap.... that is, the batten was there when I launched her. BUT, on a downeast cruise this summer to Penobscot Bay ( where there is a lobster pot to avoid about every 200'!), I was sailing in rising winds using the monitor and suddenly ground to a halt, and a quick inspection showed I'd snagged a pot. Well... with the sails down, Varuna lay stern to the wind and waves were crashing into the cockpit. I groped with the boathook ( no visibility due to the waves) and when I finally found the line, the tension was too much to pull it to the surface. I eventually duct taped a knife to the boat hook, leaned over the stern ( getting soaked) and cut the pot free. Lucky there was no lee shore! Must find a new solution as there are pots everywhere in Maine.
Sam
6 2006-09-03 19:02:14
Re: 120 Genoa (2 replies, posted in Wanted)
Kristin... Varuna has roller furling now, so her old genoa with hanks is a bit useless now, and I'm not about to convert it to put it on the furler as it would be usefull only in light airs and Maine normally has good winds. Alas, I have no idea of the genoas size, but my guess it is a 135 (that's just a guess, mind you....) I'm also leaving tomorrow for a month, so can't even measure it now. If you come up with a length for the foot, I'll check it in early October when I return.
Sam
7 2006-08-29 16:13:59
Topic: Late model Co26 coming up for sale in midcoast Maine (1 replies, posted in For Sale)
I was down at my local boat yard yesterday and the manager, knowing that I've got Varuna, mentioned that the other Co26 in the area will probably be coming up for sale soon as its owner is moving back to Texas. I motored by the boat and it really looks clean!.... spiffy navy blue Awlgrip, good brightwork, and a brand new Yanmar. No, I don't have any details, knowledge of condition, or idea about price, but I doubt it will be cheap. If you're interested, I can tell you who to contact.
Sam
8 2006-08-03 06:55:14
Re: Folding table (21 replies, posted in Repairs/Modifications/Upgrades)
Varuna has a table made out of 3/8" teak plywood (very light) that fits in two locations to use either as a chart table or an eating table. The chart table position is over the port berth under the electric panel. It is sized to take a Maptech Chartbook. The table stores at the foot of the berth under the cockpit. In the eating table position, it is mounted over the companionway steps and works brilliantly as long as you don't want to step outside in the middle of dinner, although it lifts off immediately if need be. I've uploaded three photos to the gallery to show how well it works. Note the battery position under the steps in one of the photos... Tania's doing that seems to work well.
Sam
9 2006-08-03 06:38:53
Re: stemhead casting/forestay tang (24 replies, posted in Repairs/Modifications/Upgrades)
Stefan
Varuna has the forestay tang you are talking about. It is certainly sturdily made and appears to be bolted through the original aluminum casting, as no through bolts show in the forepeak. Tim Hendley (who bought the boat from Tania Aebi) had the tang made, as says he put a sheet of plastic between it and the aluminum casting to inhibit corrosion. Good luck.
Sam
p.s. I uploaded a photo to the 'maintenance and technical' section of the gallery
10 2006-08-01 16:58:06
Re: topside, bottom and deck restoration (26 replies, posted in Technical)
Christopher -
Wow, that Rolite is great stuff! I don't understand how it can produce such fantastic results with so little effort. Thanks for the tip.
Sam
11 2006-07-22 12:17:24
Re: topside, bottom and deck restoration (26 replies, posted in Technical)
Christopher...
Thanks for the Rolite tip. I've ordered some easily online. I've already cleaned up Varuna's chaulky decks with a green Scotchbrite pad and Soft Scrub, but now the surface is just dull, although wax gives it a very slight gloss. Tried automotive rubbing compound too, but the Scotchbrite worked better. I'll let you know how the Rolite works...
12 2006-07-16 17:43:17
Re: Seized Piston Rings=bad compression.... (15 replies, posted in Repairs/Modifications/Upgrades)
Dennis -
I had to laugh at your engine story... particularly the bit about leaking oil. Varuna's 8hp Bukh engine is indeed a Ruggerini diesel too. Although she starts instantly and runs flawlessly ( 4.5kn easy cruising speed with 2 blade prop and 5-5.5kn if pressed,) I was sad to discover an irritating oil leak around the throttle and engine-kill levers. In 14 hrs of engine use thus far, she's leaked about 1/3 quart.... not intolerable, but I think I'll pull the engine to fix it before heading South this fall. Sounds like you've got all bases covered as far as motive power goes. Dink motors aren't to be laughed at. Years ago when the Perkins 107 failed in our decrepit 42' S&S yawl, we pushed it through the 50 mile Dismal Swamp canal with the dinghy and it's 1 1/2hp British Seagull lashed alongside.
13 2006-07-16 17:32:32
Re: Varuna #324 Sold! (14 replies, posted in Technical)
Bob and Shannon -
Thanks for the topping lift and sail info and ideas. As I have to go up on deck anyway to set the main tack cringles on their reefing hooks at the gooseneck and tighten the jiffy reefing lines, I've decided to leave the topping lift system the way it is for the time being (It runs down through the mast and out the starboard side about 3' off the deck.) Also, the rope clamps on deck are for 7/16-1/2" line as Varuna's halyards are very large, so there would be no way to have the 5/16" topping lift get clamped, and I don't want a huge topping lift line. I've marked the topping lift so I can set it in advance for the right tension for either full or reefed main.
A nico-pressed SS wire line (with a snap shackle) from the backstay to the boom sounds like the right way to go for me.... I've got a little trial piece of nylon line there now and it works, but isn't rugged enough for extended use.
Was out in 25kn winds over the weekend and with a double reefed main and 110% jib had plenty of power to windward, albeit with a lot of heel. My jiffy reefing systems worked perfectly, and very quickly. I think on my trip South in the fall I'll have the 90% jib on the furler and use the 135% genoa without a forestay in light winds. (Shannon... Varuna has that SS stemhead fitting already that you talk off... a great idea.) Varuna's storm jib has hanks on it too... and a super heavy bolt rope built into it. I like the idea of a heavy weather sail not being on the furler so that it can be reaised and lowered with maximum certainty. The halyard roller in the masthead fitting is simple and rugged, so don't think that will be a problem as far as having high halyard tension.
Bob... I'm counting on that Typhoon sail in August!
14 2006-07-09 14:29:01
Re: Varuna #324 Sold! (14 replies, posted in Technical)
Shannon - Thanks for the topping lift info. Now to figure out how to change it with the mast standing, from it's cleat on the mast about 2' above the deck to running inside the mast the rest of the way to the bottom and out the side, where the blocks are there back the the starboard rope clutch. Recently I broke one of the levers off the port clutch due to 20 yrs of sun fatigue to the plastic lever. I was relieved that the mounting holes on the new Lewmar clutch were identical to the old ones.
Was pleased that the boom-end-to-backstay line and clip that I devised is just like what you have.
As Varuna has roller furling installed by Tim Hendley (owner from 1989-2002 after Tania,) I have two headsails that are made for the furler, yet also some in very good condition that have hanks on the luffs... but there is no available forestay to clip them onto. Yesterday I tried hoisting the genoa (with hanks) and just cranking the halyard very tight and sailing that way, and it seemed to work fine as long as the winds were light (i.e. the luff stayed pretty straight.) Any ideas?
All the best,
Sam
15 2006-06-16 17:19:29
Re: Varuna #324 Sold! (14 replies, posted in Technical)
Thanks for the advice on Varuna's deck leaks. The problem was that sitting on her trailer tilting slightly forward, that during Maine's endless rains in May water was running off the upper (i.e. hidden) surface of the cabin top liner and dripping on the electric panels from behind (both sides!!!) I had visions of rapid salt water wire corrosion when in the water, so made rubber guards out of tire inner tubes to shield the panels. But.... miracle of miracles, Varuna was launched on June 1 and we've had 7" of rain already this month and there is no sign of of leakage anymore. Yeah, I know.... take off the genoa track, stanchions, and all deck hardware and rebed, but I'm going sailing this summer!
I've been out every day this week learning the ropes in 10-15kn of wind. I've got a pretty good jiffy reefing system worked out (Tim Hendley, Varuna's owner from 1989-2003 replaced Tania's bent boom and never had a quick/effecient system,) and find that the Autohelm steers beautifully while I'm up on deck messing around with the main.
Tell me, where does everyone have their topping lift lead to? Varuna's is to a cleat on the mast, whereas I'd prefer it in the cockpit to one of the two line stoppers on the cabin top that are there at the moment for special foresail halyards that I doubt I'll use much at all.
I'm also a bit unclear about shroud tension, as the leeward shrouds go slack with the rail under at 500lb of tension on the 3/16" shrouds. And since I can't measure the forestay tension with the furler in place, what should I set the backstay at??.... it is 1/4".
Any help much appreciated.
Cheers, Sam
16 2006-05-30 16:42:54
Re: Sad News for Rhiannon (30 replies, posted in For Sale)
Shannon, you don't know me from Adam as I'm the new guy on the block having purchased Varuna #324 at the beginning April ( and she will be launched this week.) I just want you to know that in my mind you are the expert whose knowledge and opinions are highly valued and respected. I will be sorry to see you go.
17 2006-05-30 16:38:27
Re: Varuna #324 Sold! (14 replies, posted in Technical)
Hi Everybody,
I'm Varuna's new owner. After working on her for two months straight ( wiring, engine, and electronics ) she is looking pretty good and we just towed her down to the local marina for a launch later this week. After some summer shakedown cruises on the Maine coast, the plan is to head for the Bahamas in mid-October. I'll be glad to start participating in discussions as soon as I have something to contribute... although right now I'm pretty knowledgable about the Bukh engine and parts! Her sail inventory is excellent and in good condition, maroon Awlgrip topsides look gorgeous, and the Monitor gear looks like new. However, I gather from reading Maiden Voyage that her interior got pretty wet on her circumnavigation, and her wiring showed it... new electric panels needed for a start and much new wiring. Also, there are mysterious deck leaks that seem impossible to trace. I'm really excited to be a part of this group now.
18 2006-04-13 05:56:44
Re: Windvane for a Contessa 26 (28 replies, posted in Sails & Rigging)
A few weeks ago I went to the Copenhagen Boat Show and talked with the guy who builds the First Mate wind vane. (www.first-mate.dk )... looks like the website is only in Danish... He says the twenty year old design is well proven and was formely built by a Swedish company. The thing that impressed me is the simplicity of the fastening and adjusting sytem to the boat, although with a Co26 you'd still have to fashion a brakect to get it outside the rudder. The vane also costs 'only' $2000 plus shipping. To me, the Cape Horn seems like the ultimate elegantly simple design, and claims to work in very light airs. As my boat is new to me, I have no comments yet about its already installed Monitor gear other than the fact that after 20 years on the boat it literally looks just like new. It appears to be very over designed and over built, but perhaps that is just in comparison to the Cape Horn.
19 2006-04-13 05:19:50
Re: LOOKING FOR A CONTESSA... (25 replies, posted in General Questions/Comments)
Hi Everybody. As of April 1 I'm Varuna's new owner and she's sitting peacefully on her trailer in my driveway in Harpswell, Maine. After two Co26 details falling through over the winter, I'm thrilled to have ended up with such a good boat. Oh, I've got her engine out to inspect and paint it and the engine compatment, and have the wiring exposed to install new panels and the radar which was included but not mounted. I'm amazed that the Monitor gear looks just like new after so much use. She should go in the water around the end of May and after some coastal shakedown cruises this summer will head to the Caribbean in the fall. I'll start reading the Contessa Corner more now, as I couldn't bear to earlier when I wanted to find a boat so badly and all of you were chatting about boat details.