She’s been in a covered shop since 2010. Previous owner passed shortly after doing a paint job on her. She’s on a trailer I’m picking her up early next week. How does one obtain a manual on a boat out of production for so long? This is hull number 39 of the series. My biggest worry was the possibility of deck core rot. According to the factory, deck core with end grain balsa didn’t start til 1965. YAY!! Is solid glass! Let the adventure of bringing life back to this boat begin! Little yanmar still turns by hand
1963 Columbia 26
- Thread starter glenschweizer
- Start date
Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your new-to-you boat! 
A quick Interweb search doesn't reveal any potential sources other than trying to find others who have such a boat. I did find a manual for a MK II available for purchase.
A quick Interweb search doesn't reveal any potential sources other than trying to find others who have such a boat. I did find a manual for a MK II available for purchase.
Thanks for the research. The MK2 is the replacement for mine, which is a MK1. The main difference is a redesigned cabin top and internal layout. My 1 is pretty boxy looking. Standing room is a really comfortable 6’1”
First, it's kind of a tradition here: we want photos of your boat!
A 1963 26 foot boat would originally be pretty simple. Complications would more likely come from subsequent owners adding things on and those add-ons would not be in an original manual.
I'm wondering what sort of information are you looking for with this request?
I bet if you post photos, ask specific questions, somebody on here can give you very good advice.
Good luck with the boat. That's a sweet little sailboat! What engine does it have in it? How many sails did you get with it?
dj
p.s. there is a Columbia users group here and an older thread, not sure if you've seen it: Columbia 26
A 1963 26 foot boat would originally be pretty simple. Complications would more likely come from subsequent owners adding things on and those add-ons would not be in an original manual.
I'm wondering what sort of information are you looking for with this request?
I bet if you post photos, ask specific questions, somebody on here can give you very good advice.
Good luck with the boat. That's a sweet little sailboat! What engine does it have in it? How many sails did you get with it?
dj
p.s. there is a Columbia users group here and an older thread, not sure if you've seen it: Columbia 26
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jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 24,890
Welcome to the SBO Forum.
Do not worry about the possibility. Do you like the Boat? If there is deck rot, it will be there. If not, then you'll have a solid boat. Worrying about it gets you nowhere.
# 1 - It is a boat like a thousand others. The builder sprayed fiberglass (probably very thickly) for the hull. All the other parts were purchased from someone. They can be replaced so you can go sailing if they don't function. If they function, then it is all good. You can create your own manual. One is really not needed.
#2 - Get HAPPY. You have # 39. It is not #1. By 39, the yard (builder) had figured out a few things. The lemons had been fixed, and those fixes were incorporated into your boat.
Don't Worry BE HAPPY!
Ok lets start with #3
Do not worry about the possibility. Do you like the Boat? If there is deck rot, it will be there. If not, then you'll have a solid boat. Worrying about it gets you nowhere.
# 1 - It is a boat like a thousand others. The builder sprayed fiberglass (probably very thickly) for the hull. All the other parts were purchased from someone. They can be replaced so you can go sailing if they don't function. If they function, then it is all good. You can create your own manual. One is really not needed.
#2 - Get HAPPY. You have # 39. It is not #1. By 39, the yard (builder) had figured out a few things. The lemons had been fixed, and those fixes were incorporated into your boat.
Don't Worry BE HAPPY!
Thanks for the comeback! I bought this boat after watching(drueling) over a Craigslist ad for about a month , watching the price decrease weekly. Finally it was so low that I had to pull the trigger. Wife was at a women’s retreat through church. I called to let her know that I was leaving for Northern California to take a look and if I felt good about it buy it. We’re driving down Monday to trailer her back to the Portland area. To me, it mostly looks like spit n polish stuff. She’ll be in the water in the spring.
I’ll post lots of pics when we get her home and as work progresses. She came with 2sails. They both feel pretty crisp. I’ll know a lot more when I can spread them out and really look at them. The engine is a single cylinder diesel by Yanmar I think 9 hp. I didn’t try to start it because it’s been sitting for so long. I flipped the decompression lever that opens exhaust valve and turned it thru a couple turns. I didn’t hear or feel anything scary the mixing elbow is toast due to corrosion but seams isolated damage. Even if engine is toast, still invested low enough where it would warrant repower or rebuild
I’m looking for rigging particulars and to purchase a furler
As this project proceeds, I’m sure yall will be hearing lots from me. Thanks for the feedback! I’m Glen. The boats name will be Wife N Aye. Thanks again everyone!
I’ll post lots of pics when we get her home and as work progresses. She came with 2sails. They both feel pretty crisp. I’ll know a lot more when I can spread them out and really look at them. The engine is a single cylinder diesel by Yanmar I think 9 hp. I didn’t try to start it because it’s been sitting for so long. I flipped the decompression lever that opens exhaust valve and turned it thru a couple turns. I didn’t hear or feel anything scary the mixing elbow is toast due to corrosion but seams isolated damage. Even if engine is toast, still invested low enough where it would warrant repower or rebuild
I’m looking for rigging particulars and to purchase a furler
As this project proceeds, I’m sure yall will be hearing lots from me. Thanks for the feedback! I’m Glen. The boats name will be Wife N Aye. Thanks again everyone!
To Tim R
I like to arm myself with as much knowledge as possible before diving face first into a project like this and it was a relief to find that they didn’t start with a cored deck.
I was 9 years old when she was popped out of a mold. I mean the Beatles weren’t even here yet!! She looks to be pretty solid but the more I learn, the better I feel. Good point about the yard having some experience by # 39 versus #1. My working life was consumed by auto restoration and street rod building mixed with several experimental aircraft. I had to give up flying few years back so I got back into sailing after fifty years.
I always figured I’d head west by flying into the sunset. Maybe sail instead?? That’s ok too. Glen
I like to arm myself with as much knowledge as possible before diving face first into a project like this and it was a relief to find that they didn’t start with a cored deck.
I was 9 years old when she was popped out of a mold. I mean the Beatles weren’t even here yet!! She looks to be pretty solid but the more I learn, the better I feel. Good point about the yard having some experience by # 39 versus #1. My working life was consumed by auto restoration and street rod building mixed with several experimental aircraft. I had to give up flying few years back so I got back into sailing after fifty years.
I always figured I’d head west by flying into the sunset. Maybe sail instead?? That’s ok too. Glen
A number of posts on this site have dealt with diesel engines that have not run for decades. A long list of things to cover :
- change the oil and note its composition. Milky means water.
- new fuel required before firing it.
- check the condition of the interior of the fuel lines.
- Install new primary and secondary fuel filter elements.
- remove injector (singular) and check.
- inject oil into the cylinder and crank by hand.
- ensure most of the oil has drained before reassembling to avoid a hydrolock.
No reason this engine shouldn't run for many years to come if it's been kept dry for the last 16 years. and has a good clean up and lube before firing up.
In future, you will get a more detailed replies if you pose each question or problem separately in a single post. And ALWAYS, ALWAYS post pictures, lots of pictures, when dealing with an item or situation which is better described with a picture.
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So probably a jib and main sail. If they are feeling crisp they probably aren't original.
I'd love to see photos of the engine. A Yanmar from 1963 will be a really early model. I wonder if it still has the original engine. That would be pretty cool if it is. As I think about it - I don't think Columbia put engines in their sailboats back then so it's most likely a later add-on.
Looking forward to seeing pictures.
dj
Ralph, now, c'mon - that's not a Yanmar ....
But if he had that engine in his boat - he could probably sell it, repower and still have some cash in his pocket...
dj
Congratulations on your purchase. I haven't sailed a Columbia 26 or any Columbia but I think you may have found a fine pocket cruiser. If you haven't already seen this, here is the sailboat data.com page on the boat:
sailboatdata.com
The boat looks like a Carl Alberg design but evidently isn't. The link to history of Columbia states that the Columbia 29 is an S&S design but is silent on the 26. The line diagram shows an inboard engine with the shaft exiting the full keel stub, prop aperture and a hung rudder. Lead keel - +1.
In the rigging stats there is an ESTIMATED forestay length which would be useful in planning a furler. Of course you need to actually measure it before ordering.
If you click the Columbia type next to the builders under sailboat links you'll get a history of Columbia which I enjoyed reading. It is also a metaphor for the sailboat industry of that era (And some would say today, too). Boom and bust.
As for a manual it wouldn't have been much. A few mimeographed sheets with maybe a line drawing. Maybe some recommendations on running rigging. What ever they suggested in '63 would be obsolete today. I would not be surprised to see wire spliced to rope halyards.
The engine could be 63 years old. Hopefully. you can find some sort of manual for it. If you can find replacement parts for critical components it might be good idea to purchase them now. I think the C&C 25 Mark V has a Yanmar one banger so that could be a lead.
COLUMBIA 26 - sailboatdata
It is thought that the COLUMBIA 26 is an extended version version of the COLUMBIA 24 and built largely from the same tooling.
sailboatdata.com
In the rigging stats there is an ESTIMATED forestay length which would be useful in planning a furler. Of course you need to actually measure it before ordering.
If you click the Columbia type next to the builders under sailboat links you'll get a history of Columbia which I enjoyed reading. It is also a metaphor for the sailboat industry of that era (And some would say today, too). Boom and bust.
As for a manual it wouldn't have been much. A few mimeographed sheets with maybe a line drawing. Maybe some recommendations on running rigging. What ever they suggested in '63 would be obsolete today. I would not be surprised to see wire spliced to rope halyards.
The engine could be 63 years old. Hopefully. you can find some sort of manual for it. If you can find replacement parts for critical components it might be good idea to purchase them now. I think the C&C 25 Mark V has a Yanmar one banger so that could be a lead.
BTW: Coronado and Columbia sailboats used the same hull molds, Coronado Yachts operated as a sister brand and alternate line under the Whittaker Corporation (which also owned Columbia Yachts). I used to own a Coronado 25 and it looked just like the boat you have.
The original C26 was stretched out from an old Islander 24. They cut it in half and added 2'.
It is unlikely the deck is solid glass, and more probable it has a plywood core. Columbia used a lot of plywood core.
Early on, Columbia and Coronado were separate companies and had their own molds. Later on, they used the same molds.
Here is the Columbia owner website: Columbia Yacht Owners Association
Mark (ex-C26 and C40)
It is unlikely the deck is solid glass, and more probable it has a plywood core. Columbia used a lot of plywood core.
Early on, Columbia and Coronado were separate companies and had their own molds. Later on, they used the same molds.
Here is the Columbia owner website: Columbia Yacht Owners Association
Mark (ex-C26 and C40)
The jury is still out on that one. I haven't been able to find anything on a 1960's Yanmar single cylinder engine.
Yes, to the Smithsonian for a small fortune.
Finding parts for that engine could become a nightmare. That's why I say treat it with kid gloves for now. I can't find anything in a list from Torreson Marine Diesel Direct back in the day when they dealt with engines only.
So probably a jib and main sail. If they are feeling crisp they probably aren't original.
I'd love to see photos of the engine. A Yanmar from 1963 will be a really early model. I wonder if it still has the original engine. That would be pretty cool if it is. As I think about it - I don't think Columbia put engines in their sailboats back then so it's most likely a later add-on.
Looking forward to seeing pictures.
dj.
This is only info I’ve got for now. As I don’t read Japanese and the only word I can read is Yanmar I’m reasonably certain this is part of engine I’d number? This plate is found attached to the right side of the engine looking from the transmission end
Well that about all you need to know. That's the early Yanmar PA series. A rare, primitive early small diesel Yanmar made I think in the mid-1970's. It predates the Y series that were from the later 1970's. I used to have a YSB which I think was 1977 vintage. After that came the GM series if I'm not mistaken but I'm not a Yanmar historian by any means.
That engine looks very clean. If it runs well you may be in luck. The problem is that I doubt you can get replacement parts for that engine if something stops working. I don't have anything on that engine. I do have all the workshop manuals for the Y series engines but those aren't going to do you any good.
It probably does not have any filters, like no oil filter, no air filter.
When you get a chance, more photos of the whole engine would be super cool to see!
dj
I think all the earliest Columbias came with outboards and had a gas inboard engine option. Shortly after they had diesel options, but I'm pretty sure those were Universals.
That Yanmar was almost certainly added later in the boat's life.
Mark
That Yanmar was almost certainly added later in the boat's life.
Mark
No problem. I’m interested in learning more too. If no oil filter, if it has an external oil line I could go with external oil filter? Same with air filter. Btw. No chocolate milk in pan reached to bottom of pan with rag wrapped wire , swabbed bottom of pan. No sparklies detected and no leaks on diaper under engine. I’m going to pick it up in northern ca. next week. I should have access to alll kinds of info and lots of pics later in week
One day driving down, one day to do trailer maintenance and secure boat then one day up the Oregon coast to Florence to Eugene and north on I 5 to home. Towing behind my motor home as pretty heavy. Nice easy trip home. Kinda like sailing… can’t be in a hurry
One day driving down, one day to do trailer maintenance and secure boat then one day up the Oregon coast to Florence to Eugene and north on I 5 to home. Towing behind my motor home as pretty heavy. Nice easy trip home. Kinda like sailing… can’t be in a hurry