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9data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this CONTESSA 36 (ALLIED) buyer’s report
CONTESSA 36 (ALLIED)

CONTESSA 36 (ALLIED)

Wright/Allied Yachts🇺🇸· Design: Arthur Edmunds
from 1973
$2.6K – $6.9K est. annual maintenance
Bluewater CruisermonoMasthead KetchFull/Long

Specifications

Hull

LOA36 ft
LWL27.5 ft
Beam11 ft
Draft4.5 ft
Displacement14,400 lb
Ballast4,999.7 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL7.0 kn

Rig & Sails

Pmainsail luff16.99 ft
Emainsail foot14.01 ft

About the CONTESSA 36 (ALLIED)

Center cockpit (with below deck walk through passage) version of the PRINCESS 36. Available as a cutter or ketch.

Sailpages Buyer's Take

The Contessa 36 is a classic offshore cruiser designed by Arthur Edmunds and built by Wright/Allied Yachts (USA) in 1973. With a production run limited to that single year, this masthead ketch is renowned for its heavy displacement and seakindly motion, though the exact total hull count remains unverified in available records.

Best for:
This boat is ideally suited for experienced coastal and offshore cruisers who prioritize comfort and safety over speed, particularly those seeking a stable platform for long passages. Its heavy displacement and ketch rig make it a strong candidate for single-handers or couples who value manageable sail handling and a gentle ride.
Bluewater capability:
With a displacement of 14400.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 1.81, the Contessa 36 is exceptionally well-suited for offshore passage-making, offering high stability and resistance to capsizing in heavy weather.
Comparables:
Comparable vessels include the Hallberg-Rassy 36 and the Tartan 36, which share similar heavy-displacement characteristics and offshore pedigree from the 1970s. These boats are comparable due to their emphasis on structural integrity, full keels, and proven bluewater capabilities over planing performance.

Direct variant of the CONTESSA 36 (ALLIED)

Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.

Performance

Comfort30.4
Capsize1.81
SA/Disp16.4
Disp/Len309
Bal/Disp34.7

Pricing

We don't have market pricing data for the CONTESSA 36 (ALLIED) yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.

Estimated Cost of Ownership

Based on 36ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$2.6K – $6.9K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Annual Insurance
N/A
No price data available

Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

4 reported issues across 3 systems for the CONTESSA 36 (ALLIED), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

2 critical1 major1 minor
Rudder2Hull1Keel1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a CONTESSA 36 (ALLIED)? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.

  • All 4 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
  • Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
  • Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep

One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep

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Which engine powers your CONTESSA 36 (ALLIED)?

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Used sails that fit the CONTESSA 36 (ALLIED)

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