Bow Riding Low

[ksmith]

I recently purchased a 1977 Columbia 8.7. I have noticed that the boat seems to sit a bit with the bow down. The engine is a repower using the Volvo Penta 2002, according to my information the volvo is heavier than the old Atomic 4 11hp (supposeably the orginal power) by about 70 lbs . There is a extentsive bow sprit/anchor platform on the bow with a 24 lb anchor, the rode does not look excessive about 20 feet of chain and 150 feet of rope.

Does anyone know if the bow was orginally designed to be down. I am thinking of taking the bow sprit off and going to a lighter lunch type anchor as I do mostly daysails and very little anchoring.

[svHyLyte]

What's under your V-Berth?

[ksmith]

There is a 20 gallon holding tank on the starboard side. Not sure if this was orginal.

[Pete7]

Well assuming the holding tank is completely empty, I don't see where your extra weight is. Anchor is about the right size and you don't have much chain.

If the water is flat calm standing on the dock you could measure the height then move the anchor and chain to the stern and measure again.

We replaced a heavy copy Bruce anchor with a Fortress FX because I was worried about the weight up front. Its the spare so haven't used it yet but gets good right ups and is very light if a little expensive, folds down into a little box too which is useful if you don't mind 5 minutes to assemble before use.

Pete

[GordMay]

Perhaps she’s not actually down at the bow. Looking at the profile, I can see how one might get that illusion.
The bowsprit is not OEM, and would certainly affect the trim somewhat.

See ➥ COLUMBIA 8.7 Sailboat details on sailboatdata.com (units English)

And ➥ Columbia 8.7 Specifications