Help with 51' Columbia decision

mvjensen · #1 (**permalink**) 06-15-2006

I'm looking at purchasing a Tripp designed 1988 Columbia 51....It's actually a Columbia 52' deck on a Columbia 50' hull....It was built in 1988 as a custom by Barefoot Yachts...the price is relatively cheap for the size as she needs a little work, but I'm curious if anyone knows anything about the hull construction during this time and the overall quality of Columbia boats and/or should I avoid a custom job like this and focus on a Mason 43 for example...I'm looking for a boat for extended cruising....You can look on yachtworld.com under Tripp sailboats and see the listing....I would be looking to short or single hand, so I'd replace the current rigging with an in-boom electric furling set-up.....or am I opening a can of worms?...

Faster · #2 (**permalink**) 06-15-2006

1988 seems like a pretty recent year for new construction of a boat of that type - I wonder if the hull and deck were put together and finished then... but built when?

Trouble with yachtworld is you only see the pretty stuff - most boats "look" ok on line, but of course a personal inspection will reveal the reality. She looks like a pretty substantial vessel at a decent price but as a short/single hander I'm not sure it isn't more boat than one might want to handle, furling or otherwise.

Whatever, she looks a classic!

redleg662002 · #3 (**permalink**) 08-29-2006

check out http://www.columbia50.com/, the hull was laid up much earlier than 88,

Dewey Benson · #4 (**permalink**) 08-30-2006

Ad says it was built custom by barefoot yachts in 88 using the origional hull mold.

It is quite possible the hull was laid up 88 or thereabouts. I have personal knowlege of one that was laid up long after production ceased. It was rigged as a schooner and resided for a time at my club.

These sail pretty well as long as they have a breeze o wind. Not a greyhound in light air unless they powered up the rig quite a bit.

If the boat seems to meet your wants, no harm in taking a very long hard look at it.

Dewey

captnnero · #5 (**permalink**) 08-31-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by mvjensen

I'm looking at purchasing a Tripp designed 1988 Columbia 51....It's actually a Columbia 52' deck on a Columbia 50' hull....

What can you tell us about how a 52' deck goes onto a 50' hull ? They put that fact in the ad without explaining it. Beyond how is why .

You need to have a good answer to that anyway when it's time to sell.