Hi Jordan,
Thanks for your response. I have a Rogers version, indeed.
I have seen photo's somewhere on the internet of a Contessa in which a large bed was made, but the photo's aren't that clear (and I cannot find them anymore now).
The thing with the berths in the cabin: these are not just narrow, which I could live with, but my legs are closed in till above the knees, I cannot really move them up, even a bit. (The first owner bought the boat casco and created his own interior design, the woodwork is very pretty, but the comfort result is quite spartan smile)

I am sure I will come up with a good solution in the end, it would be nice to get some ideas from others since I guess there must be more like me that have modified berths smile

Thanks also for your input about the watertank!

Many thanks, Christopher!
In regard to the watertank, it is the watertank, not the holdingtank (previous owner took out the underwater toilet and installed a port-a-potty). And the boat does not smell bad, it is just that when I followed the pipes (in particular the air outlet) with my hand, my fingers smelled quite bad after that (and the idea of having water from where that air came from... well it simply does not appeal to me anymore).
Thanks for the tip about the wooden insert. I make up from your words that is something that might be available somewhere (or a blueprint, so I can make it myself). I do have pipe berths, and these are handy indeed. It is more, well I need to sleep with my legs up and arms wide. For the rest, I don't mind the smaller space, it is a Contessa (need I say more). I sail mainly solo or with non-sailors on board, I love that I can handle her perfectly on my own.
Thanks, and I love to hear input of others as well!
Femke

Hi all,

I am new to this forum. I have bought last October my long wished Contessa 26, a well kept beauty from 1972.

This year I will get to know her better, and I want to change/improve and modify a few things. Mostly I know what to do, but there are two things I would like to get some input from others.

1. I would like to modify at least one berth. The berths are cramped, and I am a 'wide'sleeper. Result, I am not yet really looking forward to sleep on board, which is a real pity. The berths are based on some kind of a hammock principle (I am not a native English speaker, so I am not sure what is the proper word):  canvas bottoms of the berth with a cushion on it. Although that sleeps well, it is still quite cramped. This is also the case in the V berth, the two beds are separated and not one bed. (there is also a spare between the head spaces. I would really like to get some interior photo's (including berths) to get some inspiration of what and how to do it.

2. The watertank (port bow under V berth) was not really used by the previous owner. The pipes leading to and from are brownish, and the air outlet in particular is very dirty and stinks when you touch it. I am not really sure how to proceed. The watertank is closed with wood, and the screws are hard to open, so before I start there I would like some more information about what is under there and what to do. One thought would be, replace all pipes, open it and put a flexible watertank in it, but there might be other options. I have thought of cleaning it with vinegar (prefer no chemicals) and then see what happens, but still, rather not get sick from water.

Really happy to hear your thoughts, and thanks in advance!

Best,
FF