Part 2 - Columbia 29 refit, in the Rocky Mountains

[406Columbia]

After all the ports got blasted, we went ahead and ordered Lewmar opening ports for the entire boat, five size size 1's and 4 size 4's. Beckson is out of stock on the combinations portlights and would have to manufacture them for me and are a few weeks out due to the holiday so we need something available ASAP and Defender has a 25% off sale going right now.



Also got our Lewmar ocean 30 hatch in the mail. So now we are updating the trailer, tongue box, new jack and loaded the boat up for the trip to CA this weekend.

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by 406Columbia

After all the ports got blasted, we went ahead and ordered Lewmar opening ports for the entire boat, five size size 1's and 4 size 4's. Beckson is out of stock on the combinations portlights and would have to manufacture them for me and are a few weeks out due to the holiday so we need something available ASAP and Defender has a 25% off sale going right now.



Also got our Lewmar ocean 30 hatch in the mail. So now we are updating the trailer, tongue box, new jack and loaded the boat up for the trip to CA this weekend.

so you and the boat are finally headed back to its element then. ( saltwater)

[406Columbia]

Originally Posted by newhaul

so you and the boat are finally headed back to its element then. ( saltwater)

Yes we are indeed headed back, cant wait to enjoy the water. It will be full time effort to get the boat back. We are also moving our house which is why we have been lazy and no photos.

[406Columbia]

Started tearing out the old frames for the Beckson 512 portlights and cutting frames for the new Lewmar opening size 1 portlights. Going to do them just like we did the salon area with the frames epoxied in then glassed. Lots of work but will be stronger than it was before.



Also got in and repaired a lot of the seams on that had been blasted away or damaged. Plan to lay glass tape over the seams to dress and strengthen. Not much else to report at this time, just trying to get my enthusiasm up after all the damage and realizing how much more repairs I now need to do.

[406Columbia]

Frames, 3/4 marine ply with one being 1/2 marine ply which I will laminate to a 3/4 piece in order to obtain the particular angle I need for the front of the doghouse to keep it plumb.


Measured and cut the radius of the frames to match the Lewmar curves.


Got some more areas filled in with thickened epoxy in the chain locker and some starboard on the way as well as G10. Going to get the Lofrans Royal manual windlass hole cut and figure out some hawse pipe figured out. Figure with such a large chain locker we can easily carry 200' of 1/4 HT chain for ground tackle. I went to Minneys supply and visualized 400' of 1/4 HT chain and was pleased half that would be so compact.



The Columbia 29 chain locker is generous to say the least, not sure if I mentioned it but we have been in the market for a new tender for awhile. While West Marine did there last triple points deal they also had 30% off all inflatables. So we picked up a 10.2' RIB for a steal and got triple points which means we got our Mantus Stainless anchor kit and the boat for $1,400 ish bucks. Very pleased with the quality and when asked who manufactures the RIBS for West Marine they informed us it was Zodiac and hopefully it will serves us well for a few years.



Rebuilding the carb on the 1980's Honda 7.5 horse outboard my wife had and then spark plugs and oil and hopefully were in business. I think I will be wanting a 9.9 horse to get it up on plane with the four of us and gear but who knows, better to save money and try the existing motor first.

[john61ct]

great work, and progress!

[406Columbia]

Originally Posted by john61ct

great work, and progress!

Thanks for the feedback, trying to get into the swing again

[406Columbia]

Got a little back saving surprise in the mail today, very excited about it. The Lofrans Royal manual anchor windlass is the only manual windlass I'm aware of presently.



We still need to find a Hawse pipe, anyone with input on the hinged versions or the ones with little hooks (which I assume is for grabbing the chain?). I watched a video of some folks on YouTube installing the same windlass and i guess to get the chain to drop right into the hole I will need to raise it a bit over the edge of the hawse pipe so I also got some startboard for that.



Here are some folks that installed a lofrans the way we are thinking with the starboard.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xtg0cRVk3Do

[Don C L]

I don’t have a windlass but perhaps as I get older I’ll re-think that, but haven’t needed it yet. But I was lucky enough to find a brass deck plate that has a cap that seals well and yes many have a hook for hanging the chain. The deck plate is about 3 inches wide, the large opening is helpful. I fitted an ABS toilet flange upside down inside the deck plate so that the plastic takes the abuse of the chain coming out. Works well for me. By the way I have had this boat for five years and I am completing about 2 weeks out, and the more I sail this boat, the more I love it, for the kind of cruising I am doing. I think you’ll be very happy with the speed! I came back yesterday with my friend sailing his Luders 30 and I was sailing circles around him!
(Hope he’s not reading this)

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by Don C L

I don’t have a windlass but perhaps as I get older I’ll re-think that, but haven’t needed it yet. But I was lucky enough to find a brass deck plate that has a cap that seals well and yes many have a hook for hanging the chain. The deck plate is about 3 inches wide, the large opening is helpful. I fitted an ABS toilet flange upside down inside the deck plate so that the plastic takes the abuse of the chain coming out. Works well for me. By the way I have had this boat for five years and I am completing about 2 weeks out, and the more I sail this boat, the more I love it, for the kind of cruising I am doing. I think you’ll be very happy with the speed! I came back yesterday with my friend sailing his Luders 30 and I was sailing circles around him!
(Hope he’s not reading this)

I have just been given a Simpson sl500 needs refit .
If you want it let me know.

[406Columbia]

I think the speed and boat will be exciting, looking forward to it. Don, you might want to take NewHaul up on that, I did some research on that model windlass its robust! Easy to rebuild and work on, few things to go wrong. Anyway, i am going to get those small portlight frames in this week hopefully and then start grinding out some cracks and filling with thickened epoxy.



My Dad just forwarded the rest of our Lewmar order, four more size 4 opening portlights. Heard back from another carpenter, the saga continues and maybe he will be the one.



Got the little mantus dinghy anchor, nice kit included with a bag and the whole anchor collapses. Will post up photos.

[Don C L]

Originally Posted by newhaul

I have just been given a Simpson sl500 needs refit .
If you want it let me know.

Save it for me, I may need it in ten years or so.

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by Don C L

Save it for me, I may need it in ten years or so.

you got 3 in not gonna keep it forever

[406Columbia]

Get it installed Don before you need it hahaha. A manual windlass seems like a nice addition to me!

[406Columbia]

got all the frames in for the cabinets. Working on the companionway door, frame for privacy screen (oceanaire) for the Lewmar 60 hatch. Small cabinets behind the stove and working on framing in the Lewmar 30 we will install above the head and hanging locker area.