Which Contessa 26 to go with??

[bmjnyc]

Hi, I've just given away an old Pearson Commander 27' that was given to me several years ago. It was a great small boat with a big boat feel. I loved it but it was falling apart to the point where I did not feel secure sailing her. I'm looking for a boat that I can cruise with for 1-2 weeks with my girlfriend and our dog.

I've decided after much research to buy a Contessa 26. I've got two boats in mind.

Boat 1: is 1972, it's completely redone, professions recored, etc. The only issue I see is the sailboat Kubota 6HP diesel. The owner tells me that it get's the boat around, he's run it for 4-5 hours at a time with know issues but is not super powerful. I plan on taking this boat sailing around Orient Point, Long island, gardeners bay, the New England coast. I worry that this might be the wrong motor. the boat is current on Lake Ontario. The thing is that the boat is in such condition maybe I could get a new Yanmar motor installed in someday. The owner is willing to sell her for 20k.

Boat 2: is a 1985 that while as not well finished as the first boat looks in good condition with a 2004 Yanmar 1GM motor 10HP with 115 hours. I also am a bit partial to the 85 as the configuration has bit more standing room and extra ceiling hatch. This one is 18k

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!


Boat 1
1972 JJ Taylor Contessa 26 sailboat for sale in Outside United States


Boat2:
26 Contessa 2011 03 01 | Slideshow
Specs

[elvishessler]

Two beautiful boats

[zedboy]

If your goal is coastal cruising, couldn't you buy a lot more boat for that money (admittedly, maybe without the same blue-water creds)?

[Lendow]

I would have to agree 20 000 is great for an offshore boat and they are great boats, however you can get a lot more boat for the same money and still feel very safe costal cruising. Very little room down bellow.

[sailingfool]

This is a sweet boat if you want to plan crossing the Atlantic on a tight budget.

But for coastal cruising I ditto the other comments that for $20K you can buy a far more suitable boat for that purpose . Two people and a dog for two weeks will get real tight. there are a lot of solid 30 footers (Tartan 30, Cat 30, etc.) that would offer three times the interior space, can be bought well maintained for $20K.

[bmjnyc]

Yes, there are other boats that would fit the bill. I grew up sailing on a Contessa, was my fathers first boat so I'm kind of hooked..Think I'm going to go for the one on Maine fro $17,500. waiting for survey

[LandLocked66c]

That same bigger boat will also cost far more to maintain as well. Great choice IMO. I'd love to find a basket case and restore her the way I want!

[zedboy]

Originally Posted by LandLocked66c

That same bigger boat will also cost far more to maintain as well. Great choice IMO. I'd love to find a basket case and restore her the way I want!

So buy a 26-28 foot coastal cruiser of more modern design - which may well offer a lot more space as well - for half the money.

[bmjnyc]

Any suggestions for such a coastal cruiser?

[thehardaground]

Pearson 30, Tartan 30, Catalina 30, Sabre 28, C&C 27, 29 30