Columbia 38/40 steel backbone?????

[Don C L]

The 38 did not have the steel "backbone." Here is the link to how to refit, or just appreciate, a C38:
columbia38

[gjordan]

Wow, that link should be read by every dreamer that thinks they can buy a cheep old boat and go cruising. I rehabed a boat 3000 miles from home, but not nearly to the extent that Sheer did. His blog certainly shows the normal THREE TIMES AS LONG AND THREE TIMES AS MUCH COST AS PLANNED. I have walked through the Napa Valley boatyard, and refer to it as the land of broken dreams. It is full of boats that will die there. I priced a short term stay on the hard and found it very expensive. Longer term is cheeper, but I dont know how much. I have a lot of respect for a determined craftsman like the man doing Sheer. ____Grant.

[Don C L]

Yeah, you really are making a good old boat like new again. So if one does not have the cash flow to afford a fairly new boat, one doesn't have the cash flow for a "cheap" boat. It is on the other hand possible to continue to safely sail a nice old boat, with a few relatively minor upgrades or repairs, and enjoy it without completely refitting it. It's just that once you start, it is really hard to draw the line and not want to go whole hog!

[gjordan]

The 38 that we are discussing just was reduced to $10,000 on the SF Craigslist. Somebody is going to get a bargain/project. I love the lines. _____Grant.

[Don C L]

Yeah, it is that engine I bet that's bringing it down. They don't make a diesel that will fit in there anymore, it would need some modifications. Sounded like that engine, Atomic 4, may need work. The prop shaft is not accessible without removing the fuel tank, so it may never have had maintenance to the seal. May have leaked in enough to damage engine, but that is all speculation.

[gjordan]

A replacement diesel that will fit in an Atomic 4 mount and not be taller is almost impossible to find. I have seen several boats with the A4 under the floorboards, and with a taller replacement engine, would make a very awkward floor plan. Having to remove a fuel tank to get to the prop shaft, stuffing box sounds terrible. There are so many old, old, A4s around that I would think one of these marinisers would find a short(less tall) diesel to market. Living with less H.P. would be easier than living with a clumsy floor-board. If you are comfortable with gasoline, then a rebuilt A4 would solve that part of the problem. It really is a beautiful boat. OH WELL. _____Grant.