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Perhaps we could approach a reputable builder about a group buy of several Contessa 26 trailers.

Any interest in that?  If so, I would volunteer to help coordinate the process.

Another opinion:

A sliding hatch will let in more light and it will provide easier access at the dock or in calm water.  However, it can also let in more rain and seawater during storms.

Sliding hatches that are designed without a protective turtle can be damaged and even lost when hit hard by solid water.  For that reason I believe the keyhole is far safer than a sliding hatch, at least one without a turtle.

Regarding access, I am 6'6" tall and I can go in and out through the keyhole on my C 26 as quickly and easily as I could slide the hatch forward, climb out, and slide the hatch back on the Catalina I sailed for 10 years before getting my Contessa 13 years ago.

I will agree that for calm water sailing and sitting at the dock a sliding hatch has its advantages because when left open and forward it is easier to go below and there is better ventilation.  However, for sailing I prefer the safety and security of the keyhole design.

Some of the Contessa clones have sliding hatches so that must be what some buyers want but there are good reasons why some of the best bluewater boats have a keyhole companionway design.

That said, the modified Contessa looks nice and there is no reason why it should not be as good as any other sliding hatch design.

Also, at $3,200 unless there are some major problems with the boat it is a great bargain, almost free.

I may be relocating from Sarasota, Florida to Duluth, Minnesota and I would like to consider having my Contessa 26 towed on a fancy hydraulic trailer by a professional.

I have a trailer that I use for taking the boat to the marina and home but I am intimidated by the prospect of a cross country trip.

Also, my trailer is not set up for highway travel and my van might not be up to the task.

Timing is not so important to me so I might be able to be the return load for a hauler bringing a Canadian vessel to Florida for the winter.

Any recommendations?

Jim,

I have been looking at Klackso's twin A frame idea. 

It does look like a good approach.

Maybe I'll have to measure up my Contessa for a set of such frames.

Also, because the tabernackle has provisions for a pivot bolt on both the fore and aft side, I have been considering placing a pivot bolt in the forward position and tilting the mast toward the bow using the boom as a gin pole. 

The forward-tilt approach would also require A frames or some stout above-deck pivot points for stabilizing lines, possibly the halyards, to keep the mast and boom in line but the compression forces would be handled by the boom.

I think that the main advantage of a forward-tilt method is that the forestay, mainstays, forward lower stays, boom, and mainsheet would remain in position.  Only the aft lower stays and the backstay would be disconnected.

Upon hoisting, the mast would become stable as long as there was tension on the mainsheet and the rig would become fully functional and tuned as soon as the aft lower stays and the backstay are reattached.

However, I have never seen it done using the forward-tilt approach I described above so I am searching for advice.

Thanks,

Dave

Gingerbread,

The Contessa 26 is light enough that it can be kept on a trailer and hoisted into and out of the water like the racers do with their J boats.

If your sailing club has a hoist, that can cut cost of ownership by a large margin.

My 1984 C 26 #320 is below the 6,000 lb. weight limit for the hoist at our club and it goes in and out easily.

Also, where are you located?