Free Columbia 22, how to asses sails, keel bolts...

[IslandExpress]

I was poking around some boat yards and came across a columbia 22. According to the marina staff, the boat has been out of the water for two years and the owner is looking for someone to take it off their hands.

So my questions are: how can I judge the quality of the sails, hull and keel bolts and what else should I be looking for.

Here are some pictures from my cameraphone.

[sailingdog]

Might want to get your hands on Don Casey's Inspecting the Aging Sailboat.


One thing to know, most boats that are free are not worth taking, as the costs of fixing them up will often cost more than a boat that doesn't need those same repairs.

[easternrunner]

Is this boat still available