1979 – Contessa 32 with a 2016 Beta Marine Diesel Engine

A well-maintained and extensively upgraded 1979 Contessa 32, designed by David Sadler and built by Contessa Yachts in Lymington. Equator benefits from extensive professional osmosis treatment carried out by Hayling Island Yacht Company in 2023, together with significant investment in her systems, rigging and preventative maintenance.

KEY FEATURES

  • Contessa 32 – 1979
  • Designed by David Sadler
  • Built by Contessa Yachts, Lymington
  • Extensive professional osmosis treatment completed in 2023
  • Osmosis work undertaken by Hayling Island Yacht Company
  • 2016 Beta Marine 3-cylinder diesel with little use (<approx. 150hours)
  • Annual engine servicing
  • Annual antifouling
  • Running rigging renewed in 2023
  • New batteries fitted in 2023
  • Solar charging system installed in 2023
  • Navigation system upgraded in 2023
  • Navigation lights upgraded in 2023
  • Automatic bilge pump installed in 2023
  • Seacocks renewed/attended to in 2023
  • Propeller shaft replaced following inspection for wear
  • Sanders mainsail and 135% genoa, both 2021
  • Storm jib
  • Spinnaker and pole
  • Tiller pilot
  • New Garmin Log/speed/depth instrumentation and displays in 2023
  • Wind indicator
  • Shore power and battery charger lead

OSMOSIS TREATMENT – 2023

One of the principal features of Equator is the extensive osmosis treatment undertaken in 2023 by Hayling Island Yacht Company.

This is particularly significant given the age of the vessel. Moisture ingress and osmosis are well-known considerations when assessing older GRP yachts, and rectification can represent a substantial financial and logistical commitment.

Equator has already had this work undertaken professionally, providing a significant advantage to a purchaser looking for an older Contessa 32 without an outstanding major hull treatment project.

The earlier survey history records the vessel having spent an extended period ashore to allow the laminate to dry, following elevated moisture readings and evidence of blistering. The subsequent professional treatment in 2023 represents a major investment in the vessel.

Documentation relating to the work can be made available to a prospective purchaser as appropriate.

DECK & EXTERIOR

The yacht retains the classic Contessa 32 deck layout, with a practical and purposeful arrangement designed around sailing performance and offshore use.

  • GRP deck with non-slip finish
  • Guardwires and stanchions
  • Opening deck hatches
  • Cockpit lockers
  • Tiller steering
  • Plough anchor and additional Danforth-type anchor
  • Mooring equipment
  • Sail handling systems led aft to the cockpit

The yacht has been antifouled annually, reflecting a consistent programme of routine underwater maintenance.

RIG & SAILS

Equator carries a traditional Bermudan/masthead sloop rig.

Rigging

  • Aluminium mast and boom
  • Standing rigging believed to date from approximately 2015
  • Running rigging renewed in 2023
  • Backstay adjuster
  • Headsail furling system
  • Lines led aft to the cockpit

Sail Inventory

  • Sanders fully-battened mainsail – 2021
  • Sanders 135% roller-furling genoa – 2021
  • Storm jib
  • Spinnaker
  • Spinnaker pole
  • Sail cover
  • Additional older sails/spares

The Sanders mainsail and genoa were noted as being in very good condition when inspected in the 2023 survey.

ENGINE & MACHINERY

Engine: 2016 Beta Marine 3-cylinder diesel – 33hp

Engine hours: approximately <150hrs

Drive: Shaft drive (serviced in 2023)

Propeller: Three-bladed feathering propeller

The engine has been serviced annually, irrespective of the relatively low hours.

PROPELLER SHAFT & STERN GEAR

During works undertaken by Hayling Island Yacht Company, the shaft was removed to allow access to the Aqua Drive. Excessive wear was subsequently identified in the area where the stern gland rotates on the shaft.

Given the significant work involved in removing the shaft, Hayling Island Yacht Company recommended replacement rather than reinstalling the worn component and risking the need for another costly removal should the stern gland subsequently leak.

The shaft was therefore replaced at that time as part of the preventative approach taken to the maintenance of Equator

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

Significant electrical investment was undertaken in 2023, including:

  • New batteries
  • Solar charging system
  • Electrical system upgrades
  • Updated navigation lights
  • Automatic bilge pump

Additional equipment includes:

  • Shore power lead
  • Battery charger
  • Alternator charging

The combination of solar charging, new batteries and an automatic bilge pump is particularly useful for a yacht kept on a swinging mooring and for extended periods away from shore power.

NAVIGATION & ELECTRONICS

Navigation equipment includes:

  • Tiller pilot – new 2020
  • Log / speed / depth instrumentation – new 2023
  • Wind indicator – new 2023
  • Compass
  • Navigation lights – updated 2023
  • Clock
  • Barometer
  • Chart plotter – new 2023

ACCOMMODATION

  • Forward cabin
  • Saloon with settee berths
  • Saloon table
  • Two lee cloths
  • Chart table
  • Wet locker
  • Galley
  • Quarter berth
  • Separate heads
  • Approximately 6ft headroom

Galley

  • Stainless/steel sink
  • Two-burner hob
  • Grill
  • Waste bin
  • Steel water tank

The interior features blue upholstery and traditional timber flooring.

SAFETY & GENERAL EQUIPMENT

The yacht is equipped with a range of standard cruising and safety equipment, including:

  • Automatic bilge pump
  • Manual bilge arrangements
  • Navigation lights
  • Lifebuoy
  • Throwing line
  • Fire blanket
  • Ground tackle
  • Mooring equipment

MAINTENANCE HISTORY

2021

  • Sanders fully-battened mainsail
  • Sanders 135% genoa

2023

  • Extensive professional osmosis treatment – Hayling Island Yacht Company
  • Running rigging renewed
  • New batteries
  • Solar charging system installed
  • Electrical upgrades
  • Navigation lights upgraded
  • Automatic bilge pump installed
  • Seacocks renewed/attended to
  • Propeller shaft replaced following inspection
  • Further associated engineering work

Ongoing

  • Annual antifouling
  • Annual engine servicing
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£32,500
inc VAT

Specifications

Model

32

Year

1979

Location

Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour, Beaulieu, Hampshire

LOA

9.75m

Beam

2.90m

Draft

1.78m

Capacity

5

Cabins

1

Heads

1

No. of engines

1

Engine/s Model

Beta Marine 3-cylinder diesel

Engine Type

Inboard

Engine Hours

150

Horse Power

33

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