Just Purchased a Columbia 8.3; Questions!

[Tulavak]

Greetings,

I'm excited to say that I've just purchased a Columbia 8.3, which is a dream-come-true. I'm highly impressed with the design quality of this and other Columbia's that I've seen.

I've been out sailing three times already in wind up to about 10 knots and can see that she's a stable, well-balanced ship. There are some issues, but I'm quite sure they're all fixable. This brings me to a few questions--any advice anyone has related to the Columbia 8.3 would be greatly appreciated:

1. SAILS/SAILING. I'm considering a new set of sails and am wondering if anyone has had good experiences with having new sails made, or perhaps could suggest another production boat with sails that would fit well. I saw a used jib for a Newport 27 today at the marine consignment store. Does anyone have the exact rig measurements for the 8.3? I know that sometimes the literature doesn't quite match the boat and was hoping to find some tried-and-true numbers.

2. RUDDER. The upper rudder bearing seems to be either badly worn or perhaps not seated properly, as the rudder stock (attached to a tiller) is very loose--it probably can move up to 1/4" in any one direction. I'm wondering if anyone has tackled this. I was thinking that I'll probably need to replace the upper bearing--is this simply a UHMW bushing? Would any modifications be recommended for the rudder system while I'm at it? I was also thinking about installing a full height rudder tube to house the bearings, bonded to both hull and cockpit sole, and then do away with the flexible stuffing box. Also, has anyone had good success with a particular bearing for either top or bottom?

3. WINCHES. In addition to the two Lewmar 16 sheet winches, the boat came only with one halyard winch mounted on the mast, a Lewmar 6 I believe, and this winch is broken. Were not two halyard winches standard and can anyone suggest a replacement and, in particular, where to get the winch base/pad that is contoured for the mast! Is that a custom fitting or...?

4. FUEL TANK. The boat's stock fuel tank had been removed due to corrosion, and now there is simply a 7-gal. jerry jug. I'd like to get at least the original capacity of fuel back in the boat. Does anyone have any specific recommendations--does some stock tank fit or is a custom tank required? Any success with a particular solution?

5. CABIN HEAT. I was thinking about installing a Dickinson Newport propane heater, as I really like the visible flame and good heat, although if there were a simpler effective option, I'd love to hear about it!

6. DODGER/BIMINI. What success have people had with dodgers and/or biminis installed on the Columbia 8.3?

I'm looking forward to getting this girl back into shape and to enjoying many good years. And I'll be eager to share what I learn with the group. It's good to be on here with something to talk about now!!


Best regards,
Tristan

[HomerAK]

I have recently purchased an 8.7, which is a very similar design. I can't help you with the rudderstock problem, since mine has not required any attention. I would disassemble the halyard winch and see if you can salvage it. You may just need to lubricate the bearing and clean the pawls. Spare parts are available on the internet. Although I have two halyard winches, I've found that I can raise my 170% Genny without the winch as long as I'm pointing into the wind (and it's not really blowing more that 10 knots).
Detailed information on your boat can be found at Columbia 8.3 Specifications

I have a propane force 10 Cozy Cabin heater. The unit works great and takes the chill off the cabin when outdoor temps are as low as 25 F. However, there is no convenient place to store a propane bottle, so you may have to hang one on the stern rail. The Newport model is a nicer unit and will look great in the main Saloon. My heater is mounted to the forward port bulkhead in the saloon and the vent pipe runs through the bulkhead and up on the head side of the bulkhead. This arrangement warms up the head nicely, but you have to be careful not to get singed on the vent pipe when you have your pants down!
The previous owner replaced the aluminum tank with a plastic model. A 15 gallon tank can be guided through the cockpit locker and mounted on the original tank platform (on my model). I don't remember who built the tank, but it was not a custom unit.
I have a doger installed, but no bimini. Mine was put together by a local shop in Seward, AK, and it looks pretty old.

I've found the boat to be a suprisingly good performer and really stiff. I'm not sure what it would take to put the rail under, and I don't really want to find out.
Erik

[SDW]

I am a relatively new owner of an 8.7 also. Bacon Sails in Annapolis is not only a source of consignment and new parts and accessories, but provides a really neat web site that lists your 8.3, providing the dimentions as well as some used sails that will work for your specs (sometimes with modification, and in varying degrees of condition and price.)

Paste this address into your browser, pull down the manufacturer box, pick Columbia, and you'll find her listed along with most if not all the other models

http://www.baconsails.com/database/boatspec.php

Best of luck to you

Steve