Hardstanding Contessa 26

[ScottyDierikx]

Hi all

I'll be setting up a poor old neglected Rogers Contessa 26 in a few weeks time, and I'll be setting her up in my front yard (very long term), whilst I endeavour to raise the funds to slowly bring her back up to showroom condition (did I mention that she'll be there for a long time?).

My current strategy is to use Brownell boat stands and numerous other bits of 'cut to length' bits of scrap wood for extra support, but I was wondering if anyone might be able to suggest any other options/ considerations.

You lot seem way brighter than me. I'm all ears.

[boatman61]

4 adjustable props (2 each side) one length of timber to support the bow... another aft and your good to go... don't for get to block up the keel..
OH.. and Welcome to CF

[ScottyDierikx]

Originally Posted by boatman61

4 adjustable props (2 each side) one length of timber to support the bow... another aft and your good to go... don't for get to block up the keel..
OH.. and Welcome to CF

Hey boatman61, thanks for that. I was also thinking about using two of the adjustable keel stands, just so I can jack her up, prop up & move them around, so as to be able to paint/grind/swear at the patches underneath the keel. Do you reckon these might be too small of a contact patch to support the weight without damaging the glass over the lead keel?

Also, it's howling with wind & driving rain at the moment. Got me thinking about security (boat falling over is not an option - very bad jungle joo joo). Wondering if I should figure out some sort of system of uprights, to support the gunnels (long uprights dynabolted to ground with timber braces?).

[WillJacocks]

You can also have a cradle made that the stands are built in (adjustable) Vamos sat on one for 3 years with no issues other than a hard rainstorm flooded the cockpit and filled the boat up with several thousand pounds of water. Caused one of the hull points to buckle a little on the stand. Make sure you have where you will not get any water in it and I also think 3 stands on each side is better than 2. Spread the weight a bit more, also chain the stands across to each other so they cannot slip.

[GordMay]

The Contessa 26 Association might have some useful & specific information & advice:
➥ Home - Contessa 26 Association

As might Jeremy Rogers:
➥ Boat Repair, Boat Maintenance, Yacht Refubishment | Jeremy Rogers Limited

[Tar34]

Once you have your stands or cradle figured out, set up some scaffolding. This alone will save you many hours of work.

[foggysail]

Be sure to consider chaining those stands.

[barnakiel]

Set her up high enough so that you can jack her up if needed. We jack up to access the parts of keel sitting on supports. Plain car jack works fine.

As an alternative to supports, you can use tie-downs, or a mix of both methods.

If you use supports, place them where there are bulkheads inside - this will minimise distortions.

Do tie the ladder to the rail.

b.

[SaltyMonkey]

4 stand w/ screws and ply plates - on the bulkheads. Block the keel. Chain the stands. Have a 5th to adjust for maint or bottom paint or wait till launch in the sling.

Make sure you measure level and with everything removed from the hull you don't need. Watch for torque and twist. Readjust if needed after a few weeks.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by ScottyDierikx

Hey boatman61, thanks for that. I was also thinking about using two of the adjustable keel stands, just so I can jack her up, prop up & move them around, so as to be able to paint/grind/swear at the patches underneath the keel. Do you reckon these might be too small of a contact patch to support the weight without damaging the glass over the lead keel?

Also, it's howling with wind & driving rain at the moment. Got me thinking about security (boat falling over is not an option - very bad jungle joo joo). Wondering if I should figure out some sort of system of uprights, to support the gunnels (long uprights dynabolted to ground with timber braces?).

Always use a slightly larger piece of ply.. preferably with carpet glued on... between the stands and hull.
Uprights in the middle would be good... mabe scaffold poles with foam pipe insulation over them..
lashed together across the top of the boat.. sink a couple of pegs each side and lash stays to each upright...
just a thought

[ScottyDierikx]

Hmmm, some excellent points made here by all. Thanks so much. I'm currently masticating on it all, and will finalize my battle plan accordingly. Time is getting short & it's now scary to think about the reality of actually setting the wheels in motion.

Oh well. No guts, no glory. I'll keep you all posted on the fun to be had.