Contessa 26 Buyer's Guide
The Contessa 26 remains a beloved small cruiser on the brokerage market, with a design derived from the classic Folkboat derived from the classic Folkboat and a record of ocean passages that underscore its seaworthy character.
Layouts on the Used Market
Below decks, the traditional arrangement places a V-berth forward with a small head and hanging locker aft of it, while a small galley and navigation table sit aft of the main bulkhead alongside two sea berths. The saloon is compact and low, reflecting the narrow hull, with berths for four or five crew including a quarterberth. Earlier examples located the heads in the forecabin, whereas later models adopted a small enclosed compartment, and the vestigial galley and chart table moved to the companionway during the production run. There is no standing headroom below, a point to note for extended cabin time.
Equipment and Common Upgrades
Used Contessa 26s are commonly fitted with autopilot and chartplotter. A short handed setup is often seen. Heating, lithium batteries, spinnaker, AIS, and EPIRB appear as sometimes-fitted owner upgrades.
What to Inspect
One reviewer flagged the large cockpit as a potential danger when filled with water at sea large cockpit potential danger when filled, worth keeping in mind during a survey.
Surveyors should check the mast support area for compression damage mast support area compression damage on any candidate boat.
The foot of the moulded keel deserves close inspection for damage allowing water ingress moulded keel foot water ingress.
Availability and Buyer's Takeaway
Typical markets for the Contessa 26 include the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States.
- Verify mast support and keel foot condition during survey.
- Note the large cockpit's behavior when filled with water.
- Expect autopilot and chartplotter as common equipment.
- Look for short-handed setups as a frequent configuration.
- Treat heating, lithium batteries, spinnaker, AIS, or EPIRB as occasional upgrades.
Price & volume trends
Monthly asking-price and listing-volume trends for the Contessa 26. The line shows the median ask each month; the bars show how many listings appeared.
Monthly breakdown · 9 rows
| Month | Listings | Median ask | Δ vs. last mo. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 25 | 1 | $ 22,000 | — |
| Jun 25 | 1 | $ 19,500 | -11.4% |
| Sep 25 | 7 | $ 9,276 | -52.4% |
| Oct 25 | 1 | $ 11,945 | +28.8% |
| Jan 26 | 2 | $ 13,847 | +15.9% |
| Mar 26 | 3 | $ 9,943 | -28.2% |
| Apr 26 | 4 | $ 10,944 | +10.1% |
| Jun 26 | 1 | $ 11,344 | +3.7% |
| Jul 26 | 1 | $ 5,272 | -53.5% |
Where they're listed
Contessa 26 listings appear across 2 countries. United Kingdom has the most listings with 17 (89.5%), followed by Canada.
Country view
19 listings · 2 countries| Country | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | $ 10,670 | 17 | 3 | 89.5% |
| Canada | $ 7,252 | 2 | 0 | 10.5% |
Comparable models
Similar length, displacement, and era. Open a row to compare that model's market page.
Similar boats to compare
2 similar designs| Model | LOA | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeremy Rogers 26You are here | — | $ 10,343 | 19 | 3 |
| Victoria 26 | 26' | $ 26,626 | 6 | 3 |