Columbia 29 refit, in the Rocky Mountains

[406Columbia]

We figured we would finally start a refit or rebuild thread for our old girl. She is a 1962 Columbia 29 hull number 28. We purchased here without visiting her or seeing in person.

So, the wife and I had been looking for a sailboat for some time capable of trailering home to work on and store from time to time. So, we found the Columbia 29 in San Diego and it had a trailer with it. The owner said he wouldn't part the two so we didn't even bother driving down to view the boat. Fast forward three or so months and I happen to jump on craigslist while I am overseas and I see the same Columbia. She was up for sale with or without the trailer for $10.00.

I immediately emailed the seller and told him I wanted the boat and in general loved the classic lines. That I had been looking for something similar to a Pearson Triton and loved the S&S and Alberg designs (the Columbia is a S&S design). A few days later I got an email back from his wife saying they had gotten a few hundred replies back within a couple days on the boat, but they decided to give her to us.

So, my wife mailed over a check for ten bucks, I called the Marina and started the slip transfer. Obtained insurance from GEICO (they were awesome to work with), more on that later if anyone cares.

Anyway, got home a few months later from traveling and the wife and I packed up the kids, hitched up the trailer and drove from Montana to San Diego. By the way, the trailer was another craigslist score my wife found. A triple axle beast capable of hauling boats up to 13k and we got it for $750.00. The brakes didn't work since a wire had been torn loose and I pretty much had to rewire the whole thing, but its rock solid.

Anyway, back to the boat we got her picked up and spoke at length with the previous owner. He had tons of extra and new parts for her but just got to old with bad knees to climb into her and needed to let her go. So, we cleaned and washed her down, motored with the Tohatsu 6hp sailpro motor several miles to the boat yard for the haul out and pressure wash, etc.

Keep in mind the wife and I have almost no experience boating lol. We took several online boater courses to navigate the markers, read up on google how to run the outboard (don't laugh) and had a hand held gps to navigate to the right spot lol.

Anyway, we are crazy and honestly, we just figured the few times we have gone sailing out of Monterey or San Diego we loved it and why not just buy one and learn in it than renting. So, we did.

Photos and stuff, we are doing follows, please feel free to ask any questions and we will respond as soon as able.

Newhaul, here are some photos so now I can prove its real lol. Thanks to everyone along the way here who has been patient and shared the knowledge they have gathered along the years. Don and Newhaul more than many have answered lots of questions but they certainly aren't the only ones.

Wally out of San Diego at Infinity Yacht Service was super helpful also as well as the entire crew at the boat yard in National City.

[406Columbia]

Here are the photos the Marina took for us before we got to her for insurance purposes, but gives you an idea of her. If anyone knows how to rotate these photos please let me know.

[406Columbia]

The haul out

[406Columbia]

Setting her onto the trailer and heading home to Montana, quick photo in Yellowstone.

[406Columbia]

some shots of the inside. Were filling holes and removing junk, getting ready for new stain and new fixtures, etc.

[406Columbia]

tore out the old deadlights and installed the new becksen portlights, HUGE IMPORVEMENT! So nice to be able to open them and not have leaks. Took two days.

[406Columbia]

well when we got her you can see she had no hatch above the V birth. Just plastic sheet and some plywood to keep it from falling in. So we bought a Lewmar Ocean 60 hatch and put that in. Had to make the frame out of live oak since we couldn't source any teak or mahogany at the time.

Way better upgrade then a traditional all wood hatch that doesn't let in any light when closed in our opinion. We ordered an Ocean Aire roller screen/black out set up. They sent us the wrong model and now we are waiting on the replacement, will install as soon as possible.

[406Columbia]

A couple random shots of the boat. Through hull fittings, rudder and a photo into the companionway. I think we will just refinish the teak for now. I saw some youtube couple had replaced their companionway with a Lewmar ocean 70 hatch at about 45 degrees.

It seemed pretty cool, water tight, lockable when vented, lockable from inside and more useful in my mind than slats with vent cuts. I guess this would be more sound at sea also but I'm sure many folks here will have some input.

[406Columbia]

Here is the idea, they have a write up here https://sailingdawntreader.com/2015/...-companionway/

The wife and are falling in love with the massive companionway so who knows. Anyway its an idea.

[somanyboats]

Congratulations. Great score.
We saved a Columbia 24 #12 from getting salvaged. Just couldn't see it cut up for parts.
We think these old classics need love. They sail well, look good and will be cherished for many.

[ferrailleur]

Great story..... Congrats for your enthusiasm and devotion. Wish I'd be in my 30's again and try something like that! Wish you the greatest sailings... you earn it!

[bailsout]

Congrats! Great story. I have a1966 Columbia mark 2. Your boat is a little lighter, but in 1962 until up to 65 they were still using solid woos down below and not faux wood veneer like on mine. Beautiful. And I am sure she’ll feel as sea kindly as the mark 2.

[406Columbia]

Originally Posted by somanyboats

Congratulations. Great score.
We saved a Columbia 24 #12 from getting salvaged. Just couldn't see it cut up for parts.
We think these old classics need love. They sail well, look good and will be cherished for many.

Thanks and the Columbia 24 is a beautiful boat as well. Glad you saved her, too many beautiful solid classics being scrapped.

[406Columbia]

Originally Posted by ferrailleur

Great story..... Congrats for your enthusiasm and devotion. Wish I'd be in my 30's again and try something like that! Wish you the greatest sailings... you earn it!

Thanks so much, were all very excited about it for sure.

[406Columbia]

Originally Posted by bailsout

Congrats! Great story. I have a1966 Columbia mark 2. Your boat is a little lighter, but in 1962 until up to 65 they were still using solid woos down below and not faux wood veneer like on mine. Beautiful. And I am sure she’ll feel as sea kindly as the mark 2.

Thanks and I didn't know that about the wood. We hope she will be wonderful out at sea, they sure are beautiful boats.