Update on my 86 Contessa Refit

[SKUA_28_Contessa]

[SKUA_28_Contessa]

My latest doings The entry bulkhead interior and exterior. Getting ready to hang the new door. Still need to finish framing it in.

[SKUA_28_Contessa]

Also glued in the laminate beams for the cabin roof/bridge deck supports. Laminated in with the good wife's help. I can tell you laminating overhead, with contours is a real S&*^show. The compound curve in the front was a real pain. Filled in with some XPS foam, and lamed over. But, done now. The ceiling/ deck inclines to the front for drainage off the bridge. I will need to shim the interior trim off the beams to achieve a nice aesthetic.

[SKUA_28_Contessa]

Detail of the toerail/window support framing going in. Also the toerail backer and laminate, that the framing supports.This is the galley counter.

[SKUA_28_Contessa]

Another pic showing the toerail, and hull joint reenforcement, and one of the reworking of the entry way for the new door. It's now centered, instead of offset, so I needed adjust the cutout.

[Nauti_Mike]

Looking good and nice work but do you plan to finish before you retire?

I hope you have a working toy to enjoy.

[builderdude]

Yea SKUA is building himself a new boat within an old shell, crap ton of work happening on this boat.
Looks fantastic dude, glad you posted updates, I'll hit the subscribe button

[SKUA_28_Contessa]

Well major structure is almost done. After the forward toerail and the cabin frames, it's all finish work. Then wiring ,electrical and plumbing. I'm sure I'll blow right through that.

It's amazing what a bad gas tank will cost you!

[fritzman]

Great project , the thig is there is always one more thig to attack, the completed new old boat will be a sign of pride.

[SKUA_28_Contessa]

Got ahead of myself and had to adjust the door opening to fit the new doors contour.

Oh and by the way here is the new door.

Thin battens, to even out and curve the ceiling, which will be thin wainscote, as per the project manager.

Close up detail of the battens and bottom of first aid and ditch bag compartment. Right next to the door, just on the opposite side from original location.

Looking into the ditch box.

[Pcpete]

Looking good! A word of caution, keep in mind the effects of adding or relocating weight as it will change the boats trim. On our previous boat the 33 gallon water thank was located on the outboard port side at the end of the mid cabin berth. I could easily tell when the tank was low or full by the heel of the boat at the dock.

[builderdude]

I'll say it again: chit ton of work happening to this boat, major rebuild.
Keep at it SKUA! Love seeing the progress. I like the ditch bag area right next to the cabin door, want to add a similar modification to mine.

[Nauti_Mike]

I love the smell of fresh cut wood in the morning!

Looking good; thanks for the update.

[fritzman]

Nice to see your efforts moving forward, when done you will be a proud and happy Capt.

[SKUA_28_Contessa]

Looking good! A word of caution, keep in mind the effects of adding or relocating weight as it will change the boats trim. On our previous boat the 33 gallon water thank was located on the outboard port side at the end of the mid cabin berth. I could easily tell when the tank was low or full by the heel of the boat at the dock.

I have thought of that. Although to this point most things are in the same place and modestly heavier due to superior materials and practices. But the fresh water tanks will be seperate side to side allowing for ballasting if necessary. Also leaving engine battery placement to after launch. A strategic delay.