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I've been sailing most of life but only on small boats and on local waters. Last summer I bought my first sailboat a Contessa 26. While I know how to sail and managed to sail/motor my Contessa from Toronto to Orient Point, Long Island, there are many things I don't know.

I would like to learn about coastal navigation, proper use of the radio, radar, sail trim, and safety procedures, anchoring, etc.

I'm planning on taking my boat up to Maine next summer but at this point I don't feel comfortable enough with my skill set to do so.

I'd like to find a sailing school in NYC that offers a series of classes and/or certifications.

I've looked into Power Squadron classes which seem affordable compared to the local sailing schools. However I've read a lot about ASA courses as well.
I plan on taking a hands on cruising course in the spring but would like to take advantage of the winter months as well.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

I planning to repower my boat with a Beta Marine 13.5. I use to have a Kubota 0C60-E and while the motor got me from Toronto to NY,  6.5 HP is just not powerful enough. Had a few scary experiences trying to tie up to my mooring in high winds and against large waves this summer. I'm also planning to sail up to Maine next summer and would like the security of a stronger motor.

The 13.5 seems to be a popular choice for the Contessa. I would love to hear from anyone who has this motor. Any tips, prop size recommendations, etc would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Everyday I'm happier and happier with my Co26. She is the perfect size and her systems are just complicated enough to allow me to figure out how to fix them while learning about them.

Today I went to pick up my boat which I had put away in a protected inlet in which she could ride out Irene. There was no wind so I had to motor. When I checked the water exhaust in the back of the boat to make sure that the water pump was working I noticed that the water was blackish in color and seemed to have a bit of smoke mixed into it. The more gas I gave the motor the darker the water.

Two weeks ago some jelly fish clogged the fresh water intake for the motors cooling system. As a result my motor quickly overheated, the cabin filled with blue smoke. I checked the motor after this happened and found that my Vetus water lock exhaust had started to melt so that all the wet exhaust was gushing into my bilge.

I bought a new water lock exhaust, installed it. Today was the 4th time I used the motor since the installing the exhaust.

I've know very little about diesel motors but I'm thinking I might need a oil filter. I did change my oil a month ago but did not change the filter.

Has this happened to anybody, any input would be greatly appreciated.

The motor is a 6hp Kubota.