I own a 1977 Columbia 9.6; hull #101. This boat sails wonderfully. I bought it last year and sailed it on Seneca Lake, NY. I found the lake a bit small. When the winds are from the east or west... otherwise, running and reaching are fun.
This year, we'll be moving to Oswego, which is on Lake Ontario for a greater challenge.
Over the winter, the bottom was stripped and inspected for blistering... none...and is now being
epoxy sealed prior to painting. I did replace the wire cable halyards with rope. I had help from Halls Spars &
Rigging. They were great help in the modification! Currently I'm building new grabrails. Some of the other external teak was removed and refinished during the winter and is waiting to be re-installed.