I'm not "yet" a contessa owner but hopefully in the spring  so I'll see if I can make my way down. I live just in Whitby so it's just a quick Go train ride down.. 

Nope, I didnt get a chance to get to Hamilton way to take a peak at the two contessa's there.. Timing just wasnt good this year sad

Tks for the advice stefan_d.. I see you speak from experience having read some of your other posts regarding having to recore your own boat.. 

Jcfoto.. I'm always up for a good sail especially on such a sweet boat but not sure of my schedule yet or if I can make it down that way.. tks for the offer though!  I still have to convince my "crew" of the need to get this boat ! hehe

Tks jcfoto.. I'll see if I can squeeze a trip down Hamilton way..  As you noted, it definitively looks like it's a much better boat..    I'm not in a huge rush and can wait till next season before I get more serious but I'm still keeping an eye out for a good deal..

I'd get any boat checked with a surveyor before I'd buy anyhow also i'm a little confused as to which versions have wooden cores or not..  As well, imho an outboard on these boats just kills the beautiful lines.. Diesel only for me.. I'm not afraid of taking any engine apart.. 
I saw the advert for the boat in peterborough... I'd have to see if I can make a trip out there..   I do have my heart set on the contessa..   I was looking also at tanzer 26's and c&c 25's but the contessa seems to have everything I want in a great lakes boat..