Contessa 26 Project Boat
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Here at Preston Marina we have a Contessa 26 project boat in our boatyard which has become abandoned.
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We don’t know much about it…but some initial observations…
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The boat may be from 1974 – or certainly around that age.
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It has a Beta diesel engine, which was put in around 15 years ago, and so far has done zero water hours/miles. We are not sure as to what else is needed to finish the installation, if anything.
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It had a beautiful 2 pack paint job on the topsides about 15 years ago and has not been in the water since…I do think the whole boat would scrub up pretty well.
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The gelcoat below the waterline looks to have been totally stripped off (this was done around 5 years ago). The hull looks smooth and good (but I am not a marine surveyor).
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The rudder and tiller are absent – and we know this will have a significant impact on any value. Perhaps Contessa builders Jeremy Rogers may be able to help with this https://www.jeremyrogers.co.uk/
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The mansail is absent.
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The steel yacht cradle may be available by seperate negotiation.
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We are empowered under a Lien to sell the boat to recover outsanding storage fees (which we know we won’t).
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If we do find a buyer the boat will be sold free from encumbrances.
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If we don’t find a buyer we are going to have to crush the boat – what a pity that would be.
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Before doing that (and selling the engine and any other parts seperately) we would like to give the whole boat one last chance….we are required under the Lien to demonstrate that we have taken reasonable steps to attempt to achieve a fair value for the boat (whatever that may be).
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We are not in any position to enter into discussions about the extent of the work needed to make the boat ready for sea – or what the costs involved may be. We are not surveyors or boat-builders. The boat is described as being not fit for purpose in its current condition.
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We have posted this here on our website and on Youtube first (July 2025), before putting it on eBay etc, which we may do in a few weeks if we do not receive any proposals.
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Viewing is available by prior appointment here at Preston Marina (PR2 2YP). Contact us on 01772 733595 or info@prestonmarina.co.uk
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Offers are invited for consideration.
