Contessa 26 Redesign

[gww25]

As a previous Contessa 26 owner I've begun developing a concept of a slightly modified version the original plan for the amateur builder like myself.
The preliminary plans and notes are at:
http://64.172.168.34/neatstuff/boats/1-1-1.pdf
http://64.172.168.34/neatstuff/boats/3-1.pdf
http://64.172.168.34/neatstuff/boats/4-1.pdf
http://64.172.168.34/neatstuff/boats/5-1.pdf
http://64.172.168.34/neatstuff/boats/6-1.pdf

These are all very preliminary at this point but I'll be adding more detail as time goes on so don't beat me up on these just yet. I've been out of the business for over twenty years and just getting my feet wet again after a very long layoff from boat work.
Thanks
Gary

Opps, forgot the lines drawing at http://64.172.168.34/neatstuff/boats/2-1.pdf

[brothwell]

Hi Gary,

Ignoring any design patents ( or copyright) issues...

1. I am curious what your thoughts were on the cockpit ( original vs jj taylor) arguments.

2. I have seen that similar (?) alberg designs use inboard rudders vs outboard ones. Was curious what your thoughts were on that topic.

3. How would you expect the finished product to compare to something like an allegra 24?

[gww25]

I've updated some of the drawings that might answer some questions. the new files are at http://64.172.168.34/pc26/intro.htm. Read the information and then click on the jpegs to get the large scale adobe pdf files.
The Contessa 26 is a significantly different boat than the Allegra so the two designs can't really be compared one to one. I think the Contessa is a better hull design and easier to build. Costs should be close to same for both designs. I've always preferred an outboard rudder on a small boat for several reasons that are to complicated to go into here. Cockpit can be either version. I prefer the JJ Taylor design.
Thanks for your interest.
Gary

[brothwell]

In other threads/forums, I have seen references to the many of the folkboat derivatives, but never with such clear explanations and illustrations. Comparisions using SailCalc have not yielded any useful conclusions; I think the missing element is the comparison of lines and the effect on performance. I am looking forward to following your progress.

Am hoping you will also be giving insights into rigging choices as well. I have copies of Toss, Larsson, and several other references cited in threads here and am excited to see a complete design example from start to finish.

Keep up the excellent work!

[gww25]

Transom sterned boats have never been to popular here in the States which is unfortunate since they are generally relatively cheap and easy to build compared to more conventional shapes. The folkboat types are one of the few designs that 'break the rules' so to speak when one looks at the 'math' since in general most, if well rigged, routinely break the old 'hull-speed' calculations and the myth that cruisers can't 'surf' when going downwind.
There may be something going on with the transom hull when heeled that isn't immediately apparant, perhaps some kind of Kamm effect but it probably needs some tank testing to prove. The racing records of folkboat derivatives is telling however when it's seen that these little boats routinely thrash much larger competitors, especially in rough weather. Sometimes their course speeds are 'mathematically' impossible yet the proof is in the pudding.
Many 'experts' will argue that the design is obsolete yet even today these little boats just continue to add to the historical record they gained decades ago which is why they are still highly competitive, especially the Contessa 26.
The drawback to Folkboat types is reduced accomodations compared to the fuller bodied pocket cruisers like the Dana, Flicka, Cape Dorys etc.
All boats are compromises which is why they're so much fun to design trying to meld together the best aspects into something that it not only safe but fun to sail.
I personally think the myth of Folkboats being an obsolete design is why so many home-builders pass them by. If you haven't sailed on one you don't know what you're missing. These are wickedly fast little machines in even the most heavy weather.

[gww25]

Thanks for the interest in the design via your emails. I'm surprised there is so much interest in these little boats after all these years. The full size frame patterns are now finished and we've updated the lines drawings to reflect final fairing work. Working on options for the ballast keel. Looks like we'll have two basic options. External cast iron and internal lead. We'll build the frames with a removable/alterable lower section to permit either option. About ready to post the plans for wood construction, maybe next week.

[brothwell]

Haven't seen any new posts. Was wondering how project is going?

[gww25]

The lines have been finalized and we built a 1:12 scale sailing model to do some 'backyard' tank testing. The frame patterns have been plotted and if everything stays on schedule we'll start cutting mold frames right after Christmas.
Still can't get pictures to post but here's a try on the model.

[gww25]

trying again

[brothwell]

So how did your testing go? Hope you are capturing construction in pics?

[Brent Swain]

Inboard rudders on a cruising boat are a big mistake. The make self steering and inside steering far more complex, expensive and flimsey, without any real advantage.Why would you do that?
Brent

[Trif]

Originally Posted by gww25

About ready to post the plans for wood construction, maybe next week.

Is there a possibility to see the full plans somewhere, please?
Thank you!

[gww25]

My financial partner decided to invest in a larger boat so the little Folk boat project got sidetracked after I cut and faired the mold loft frames for a C-flex prototype hull.
I didn't bother finishing up the scantlings for cold molded wood construction. All was not lost however as this just helped me improve the lines drawing and pattern files. You can see the old original write-up and preliminary plan sheets at:
http://64.172.168.34/pc26/info.htm

A link at the end of the article will lead to a preview of the drawings.

I'm going to get back to this project hopefully this summer if time permits as I built a new dock and now don't have a boat so I need to do something.

[Borneogoat]

Are the plans for cold molded on hold and will still be produced or to be forgotten? They certainly would have my attention...

[gww25]

The cold-molded plans are about 50% completed and I intend on finishing them up as soon as time permits.