Columbia 26

[scofan]

Hello,

I'm going to look at a 1966-ish (not sure yet) Columbia 26. Boat is in the water with the mast unstepped. Looks to be in decent shape from the pictures and the ad says "better than fair condition". The price is certainly right.

Not familiar with the boat but like the hull design. Seems like like it could be a great little pocket cruiser with a little work.

Any thoughts on the boat from the group? Things I should look for in particular?

Thanks! Scott

[billsull]

Columbia built 3 different designs at various times during the period '63 to '74, all referred to as "Columbia 26" (one was the Columbia 26 MkII). If yours is a '66, it would be the first version of the 26 - a stretched version of an Islander 24. Good headroom, outboard in a lazarette well (not a very efficient location for an outboard). I have a Bristol 24 with the same setup and the outboard is always starving for air unless the hatch is wide open. This means that when I'm running my 2-stroke, all conversation in the cockpit ceases.

As with many of the older boats in the 20' - 26' range, much of the value of the boat would be in the engine and sails. You didn't mention these, so its hard to judge whether this is a good value or not, but without both in good condition, the value of the boat is likely zero or less.

Look for soft (water damaged) decks and loose bulkheads. With the boat in the water and the stick out, you're at a disadvantage. You can't evaluate the rudder and hull, nor can you see if the mast is deflecting the cabin top, not to mention that you can't take it on a test sail! Good luck with the search.

[COOL]

If it turns out to be the 1966 model,
it would be very easy to find an inexpensive
boat in the same size range that will sail
much better.
The Col 26 MkII which was desiged by
Bill Tripp and introduced in 1969 is a
good sailing boat.