Actually a 2 year circumnavigation, the first leg being the Atlantic,with regular updates on youtube.
1 2019-12-10 04:43:14
Re: PEI sailor heading across the Atlantic in a Contessa (1 replies, posted in Cruising)
3 2019-11-23 17:47:10
Re: West to East Circumnavigation in a CO26 (2 replies, posted in Cruising)
Quite informative. Thanks for sharing Vince.
4 2019-03-09 05:35:58
Re: Relocating cockpit scupper drains (2 replies, posted in Repairs/Modifications/Upgrades)
No and I would not recommend doing it. You would lose the Venturi Effect whereby the water in the cockpit is sucked by the moving water along the sides. You noticed that the water drains much faster when the boat is moving compared as when standing still.
5 2018-05-29 04:28:37
Re: Instrument Mounting Cutout and Structural Integrity (3 replies, posted in Repairs/Modifications/Upgrades)
Good idea to keep the crew comfortable and happy. My solution was to provide a thick stiff piece of foam with a donut hole for the compass. I also use it when sailing solo on auto.
6 2018-02-19 04:20:53
Re: Bubble in compass (2 replies, posted in Repairs/Modifications/Upgrades)
My two cents worth would be the product used to rejuvinate car headlights.
7 2018-01-05 15:47:49
Topic: Bubble in compass (2 replies, posted in Repairs/Modifications/Upgrades)
Large bubble can impede proper functionning of compass. My Plastimo Contest compass had such a bubble to the point that the dial would remain wedged in the housing. In search of a solution other than replacing the compass I found out that the liquid can be topped up through a small opening at the back of the compass by removing the brass screw acting as a plug. I could not find the liquid at my usual chandelery but it is available at West Marine under compass oil. I came upon a blog where a French chemist , also a sailor, analysed the components of the compass oil and found out that it was essentially the same as odorless fire/barbecue lighting fluid. I filled the housing using a seringe and voilà...new life for a 34 year old compass.
8 2015-06-01 15:56:12
Re: Custom Trailer for Contessa 26 (9 replies, posted in General Questions/Comments)
Got all the hardware to build a trailer and got it started today.
At this point I am concerned about proper balance as too little weight on the tongue could lift the rear of the truck and too much will bring it down. I would very much appreciate if you could indicate the approximate center of gravity (measurement from bow or stern) . I have arrows indicating where the slings should go to lift the boat but the halfway point between the two seem to be too far to the front especially because of the weight of the motor. I hesitate to weld the axles in place until i have info on this subject. Thank you.
9 2013-12-17 05:05:03
Re: Double braid splicing Question (9 replies, posted in Sails & Rigging)
Hey Brian,
Put all the odds on your side by using new rope. I have found that some of the silkyness dries out over time making it much more difficult to slide, moreso if it has been dunked in salt water. On older rope I eventually got through with a little soap, vice grip, and elbow grease. Just don't give up; the end result is worth the effort. The brand of rope shouldn't be an issue.Good luck.
10 2013-09-06 06:09:16
Re: new website for contessa solo around-the-world project (4 replies, posted in Non-Contessa Chatter)
Hey Brian
Rest assured you will have a faithful group of armchair followers. Follow your dreams and trust your steed.
11 2013-08-02 05:00:39
Re: cockpit floor panel fasteners (16 replies, posted in Repairs/Modifications/Upgrades)
Hi
Wondered if beefing up the floor underneath the PYI units would provide a secure base to insert the casings? Didn't follow up on the idea and instead installed a hatch large enough to give access to regular maintenance. Floorboard now properly sealed and solved water seeping through.
12 2013-07-21 14:11:13
Re: Custom Trailer for Contessa 26 (9 replies, posted in General Questions/Comments)
Hi,
I am also on the market for a trailer. Planning to have one built. A few considérations I will not do without: drop axles, hydraulic brakes(no magnet etc to seize in salt water) , sealed bearings and extra extended draw bar to ease the boat down and up a slip.
13 2013-05-22 14:49:29
Re: Steve Stewart's tablernacle (3 replies, posted in Repairs/Modifications/Upgrades)
Hey Gingerbread,
Check the May-June issue of Good Old Boat magazine. Pretty ingenious device for safely raising mast short-handed.
14 2013-04-04 03:55:55
Re: Mounting Tri-Color Light to Masthead (2 replies, posted in Repairs/Modifications/Upgrades)
Hi, By looking at the set-up, the clevis pin, if long enough, might be used on the bottom end and if the plate is wide enough the bolt on the upper end?
15 2013-01-08 17:07:09
Re: Need a boost? (3 replies, posted in Non-Contessa Chatter)
I was actually surprised when the booster pack which was charged more than a year ago started a car on a cold morning with a battery which was completely drained when park lights had been left on. Instruction recommends that the pack be charged every 3 months.
16 2012-12-05 15:54:16
Re: You tube (8 replies, posted in General Questions/Comments)
Nice. Seen several somewhat similar but yours has, in my view, the best camera angles.
17 2012-11-19 06:03:18
Re: Mounting Batteries Securely in the Bilge (15 replies, posted in Repairs/Modifications/Upgrades)
Check eBay under marine battery box
18 2012-11-15 04:15:23
Re: Getting the Ice Box Insulated (7 replies, posted in Repairs/Modifications/Upgrades)
Here is my 2 cents worth on cooling. I fill 4 liter wine containers (the one that come in a box), freeze them and drop them in the ice box. They last much longer than ice cubes and do not leak.
19 2012-09-14 05:29:36
Topic: Sailing on N or Forward? (3 replies, posted in Non-Contessa Chatter)
Do you have your transmission in neutral or forward while sailing...or does it matter???
20 2012-08-15 07:29:17
Re: Rigging the spinnaker (9 replies, posted in Sails & Rigging)
Hey Jordan,
You'll find that your boat will truly enjoy flying in light air. Luff should be approx. 28 ft. but who's to look a gift horse in the mouth.
21 2012-05-22 13:23:54
Topic: Solar accent light (1 replies, posted in General Questions/Comments)
Small, inexpensive solar lights hoisted on the mast are a nice way to create an atmosphere in moorings.
23 2012-05-02 04:41:12
Re: Repowering (12 replies, posted in Repairs/Modifications/Upgrades)
Hi,
The boat I acquired 3 years ago had a Beta 10 installed the previous year. I suggest that you call Mr. Stan at Beta Marine NC. He knows his product inside out,has extensive experience and willingly gives out precise advice. It is obvious that his aim is to insure that the customer is satisfied with the product with no fine print. Several Contessas have been repowered with Beta. I have had no issues with mine and it runs like a charm. Incidently the Beta 10 actually delivers 13 hp. At one point they sold as two different motors the only difference being that, for some reason, one had been blocked at 10.
24 2012-04-27 09:47:43
Re: attaching a tiller pilot to tiller (6 replies, posted in Repairs/Modifications/Upgrades)
Same here and it works fine.
Hi Phil, Will email pictures with tapeline within a few days. Cheers.
25 2012-04-19 11:06:43
Re: hard dinghy vs. inflatible (12 replies, posted in Cruising)
Hi Peter, Welcome to the forum. I get by with a small kayak which I stack and tie between the stanchions and the cabin outer wall. The short whitewater kayaks with a relatively flat bottom provide good stability to get in and out of the sailboat.