My two Columbia Sailboats

[AllAboutMe]

New member here, and just wanted to show off my two Columbia's. 1977 C 8.7 and 1965 C Saber. I've done all the restoration work on the Saber myself. The 8.7 was in fair condition when I purchased her, and only needed a bulkhead replaced before she was seaworthy. I try to sail both weekly. Been a bit cold here this month though and haven't been able to take either out. The 8.7 is in Urbanna,Va, and the Saber in Deltaville ,Va, a few miles down the road.
Larry Wilson

[patn44]

Hi Larry, Pat here with a C 8.7.  Which bulkhead did you replace?  I had to do the one at the head of the V berth under the window.  Window leaked and the bulkhead rotted over time.

[Solace]

Welcome aboard. Another fellow Columbia owner - I have the baby sister - the 8.3. - no bulkhead replacement - but may have to do some repairs to the wooden compression post (or whatever term that wall is). Some punky spots on the lower portion (in the bilge) and a crack at the top - too many all day cruises playing Capt. OverCanvass  ;D

I love the Columbia's - don't know about the older ones but the Alan Payne ones are fantastic.

Look forward to seeing some of your comments in this forum.

Cheers!

John

[AllAboutMe]

Hi Pat and John. Thanks for the welcome!!
Pat, I had to replace the opposite bulkhead from yours. The port side compression post wall. The post was solid, but the cheap plywood {sorry Columbia} was like cardboard. There was a leak at the wiring thru deck to the mast. Of course, had to tear out half the boat to get to it. But it was a good learning experience.
I also love Columbia's John. I have three, and had a fourth, a Challenger 24 that I sold when I got the first Saber. (I have two of those)
Well, enough for now. I'll see you on the forums, and I'll post more pics as I can. Got to buy a downsizer now that I've used up the promo copy. That's the problem with high resolution digitals. Too many megs.
Fair Winds,
Larry Wilson
http://photos.yahoo.com/ph/radicalcy/my_photos
{links to all my yahoo photos ofmy boats and some others}

[Coastal Cruiser]

I am trying to sort out the different and favorite flavors in the hulls that are being mentioned. I am a green horn to the mid 20 footers, as to the prefered ones, and which ones would be considered as a pain in the derriere. Other than the Columbia, what would be considered the mainstream of the mid 20s? Its also interesting to see how intensive the repairs on your hull are, and how meticulous you are being in some of your work in your album.

[AllAboutMe]

I'm not sure what you're asking. If you mean what the more popular hull/keel configurations are on mid 20 foot boats, I'm probably not the one to ask. I wanted a boat that I could sail in the Chesapeake, without too much worry about running aground. Both of the Columbia's have less than 5' of draft, so I'm good to go there. The Saber was bought for it's racing potential, but I'm not a racer, and having crewed on a couple of boats since buying her, I'm convinced I will NEVER be a racer. Too much work.
The 8.7 was purchased for her ability to go offshore and even trans Atlantic, if I'm ever in a position to do so. She is a very forgiving boat, in medium winds and seas. A little stiff, but easy to sail. Not alot of work. Broad beam, fairly stable in high wind and seas. Not a great light wind boat, not a great storm boat, but passable in both.

So,it depends most on where you want to sail, and whether you want to race, or cruise, or gunkhole. Draft seems to be the most discussed issue in most of the forums. Capsize ratio being high also.
Maybe someone here with more sailing experience than I, and more specific boat knowledge can take up this thread?

[captedteach]

Hey Coastal - If you are looking for a good 23-27ft boat it is hard to beat the flattop Cal 25's. They are very easy to single hand have a good bit of space below and the flat deck make it real easy to go forward for what ever reason.  There was one on Ebay located in Tampa that needed work - I think around 1000.00 will get it.  They are trailerable but few have trailers.  I dont have the space for another boat or I would buy it - already got one and a trailer and it would be fun to have two for match racing.

[captedteach]

Oh Yeah - I sold my Columbia 8.7 - TWICE

[Coastal Cruiser]

For pleasure boating, issues such as draft is certainly a key issue. But quality is a bigger issue, longterm, or in aged vessels, which comes with a price that most commoners can afford, which does show up even in fiberglass hulls even after five years of age. This statement is something that I think most can agree on, especially watching and listening to folks and their projects taking place on their fiberglass hulls. I am almost of the mindset, that building a cold moulded hull is still not the way to go. I know what the type construction can handle, when you take this type construction and push them 40 knots.

One thing I personally can do is to fix them, and blend them better if damaged, a whole lot better than some of the fiberglass hulls, and having  a "spot light" on my hull, running up and down the waterfront. Its actually an easier repair. And the cabin issues seems to be less. Water leaks needs to be addressed, and if a person wants a nice interior, that complete redos still come into play, after you fix the problems. So what do you have in buying a used boat, if it takes you two years to make it right?

I have looked around the yards, and looking at ones that I can afford, I see the same amount of time in fixups than what I personally can build a new hull.

I think its all about maintainance for me. I think people have the misconception that because its fiberglass there are no real requirments for issues. I guess of you only keep a new and shiny hull for two or three years, this may come into play.

But i do think that some factory built boats do a better job, out of the box than others do. And I maybe asking just that, as it in fact shows up long term.

I am not looking for a 25 footer, with six foot draft. I think this is foolish pleasure to take such a hull and think you can make an ocean liner out of it. That maybe only me, though, but does not meet my needs or desires for a boat hull.