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
- 24,857
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