The Timeless Classic: Contessa 26 Boat

When it comes to sailing, enthusiasts are always on the lookout for the perfect vessel that combines elegance, performance, and reliability. The Contessa 26 boat, a true icon in the world of sailing, checks off all these boxes and more. Whether you are an experienced sailor looking to take on the open seas or a novice eager to learn the ropes, the Contessa 26 offers a sailing experience like no other.

Design and Construction

The Contessa 26, designed by David Sadler, boasts a classic design that has stood the test of time. With a length overall (LOA) of 7.75 meters (25 feet and 5 inches) and a beam width of 2.29 meters (7 feet and 6 inches), this sailboat strikes the perfect balance between agility and stability. The hull material used is fiberglass, ensuring durability and longevity.

Performance and Handling

Equipped with a Beta inboard engine delivering 7.46 kW (10.00 hp) of power, the Contessa 26 offers smooth and reliable performance on the water. The direct-drive engine series 10 by Beta ensures efficient power delivery, whether you are cruising along the coast or navigating challenging waters. The boat also features a tiller for precise steering control, making it a joy to handle even in rough conditions.

Features and Amenities

Step aboard the Contessa 26, and you will find a range of amenities designed to enhance your sailing experience. The interior boasts a comfortable berth for up to 4 people, along with a toilet head, oven, and cooktop for your convenience. The boat is also equipped with electronic essentials such as a VHF radio, marine GPS, compass steering, and a chartplotter system, ensuring you stay connected and on course at all times.

On the exterior, the Contessa 26 shines with features like teak cockpit flooring, a spray hood for protection from the elements, radar reflector for added safety, and outboard engine brackets for easy access. The mainsail cover and cockpit cushions add to the comfort and functionality of the boat, making it an ideal choice for long days on the water.

Safety and Additional Equipment

When it comes to safety, the Contessa 26 prioritizes your well-being with features like a lifebuoy and genoa sail for optimal sailing performance. In addition, the boat comes equipped with various extras such as warps and fenders, gas grill, self-steering system, GPS chartplotter, winches, radar reflector, and more, ensuring you have everything you need for a successful and enjoyable sailing experience.

General Information

The Contessa 26 sailboat, produced in 1974, is a pre-owned vessel located in Ipswich, Suffolk, United Kingdom. With a selling price of 8,500 GBP, this classic beauty offers a timeless sailing experience that is sure to delight sailors of all levels.

Specifications Table

Category	Contessa 26 specs
Deck Hardware	Tiller
Detailed Specifications	Berth (Mono/Single): 4 Number of Heads (Watercraft): 1
Dimensions and Weight	Beam Width: 2.29 Meters / (7 feet and 6 inches) LOA (Length Overall): 7.75 Meters / (25 feet and 5 inches)
Electrical and Electronics	VHF radio Marine GPS Compass steering Chartplotter system
Engine and Power Specs	Engine Drive: Direct Drive Engine Horsepower: 7.46 kW / (10.00 hp) Engine Location: Inboard Engine Series: 10 Engine Manufacturer: Beta Parts and Accessories: Contessa 26 Parts
Exterior Features	Teak cockpit Spray hood Radar reflector Outboard engine brackets Mainsail cover Cockpit cushions
General Data about Contessa 26	Boat Type: Sail Brand: Contessa Category: Unspecified (Sail) Condition (New/Used): Pre-Owned (Used) Country: Ipswich, Suffolk, United Kingdom (Haven Marina) Fuel (Gas/Diesel): Diesel Hull Material Used: Fiberglass Length: 7.92 m / (26.00 ft) Model: 26 Selling Price: 8,500 (GBP) Year Of Production: 1974
Interior Specifications	Toilet head Oven and cooktop Hand bilge pump
Other Equipments	Various warps and fenders Two ring gas and grill Raymarine st1000+ self steering Raymarine rc400 gps chartplotter Original spinnaker winches Original genoa winches with attached handles Nuova rade radar reflector Mast-mounted main and genoa halyard winches Icom ic-m323g gps vhf radio Flojet pressurised water system Duet combined log and echo sounder Dodgers with boat name on Contest plastimo steering compass C&j marine sprayhood
Safety Features	Lifebuoy
Sailing Features	Genoa

Pros and cons of Contessa 26

Pros	Cons
1. Strong and sturdy construction	1. Small cabin space
2. Easy to handle and sail	2. Limited storage capacity
3. Classic design and aesthetics	3. Slower speed compared to larger boats
4. Affordable maintenance and operating costs	4. Not suitable for large crews or families

Reviews of Contessa 26 owners

Name	Review
JohnDoe	The Contessa 26 is a fantastic boat. It handles well in all types of weather and is a joy to sail. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and seaworthy vessel.
SailingEnthusiast	I've owned my Contessa 26 for years and it has never let me down. It's a sturdy boat that can handle rough seas with ease. I love taking it out for a day on the water.
SeaCaptain	The Contessa 26 is a classic sailboat that is perfect for cruising or racing. It has a sleek design and performs well in all conditions. I would trust this boat with my life.
AdventureSeeker	I recently took a trip on a Contessa 26 and was impressed by its performance. It's a comfortable and reliable boat that is perfect for exploring the open waters. I can't wait to sail on one again.
BoatLover	The Contessa 26 is a beautiful boat with a timeless design. It's easy to handle and provides a smooth sailing experience. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a quality sailboat.