Its been a while since I have posted here, not since I first bought my columbia. since that time, I took her out for a week of sailing in mid december. Sailed to rock hall and than over to the inner harbor in Baltimore. I have to admit, I love the way this boat sails!! she handles very well, and moves good. Only time I had any doubts was going into swan creek at rock hall, it felt like we were dragging something behind us, but I think it was just an under tow or somethign with the current. Now to my question... Where can I get a dodger for this boat? Will this have to be specially made? Also, where do you guys and gals put the holding tank for your 26? and what size is ideal for this boat? I am looking forward to sailing with some of you, it will be a blast I am sure! On a final note, in my first post here I mentioned soft spots in the deck. upon further inspections, the previous owner had re-sealed the deck. I drilled some holes from the inside and even after a hard rain, I found dry wood, so the deck isnt leaking anymore. Instead of the racing rigging with the double lower stays, I am running single side stays so the location of the soft spots shouldnt be a factor as far as that goes. For right now I am going to leave it as it is, and just keep a check on it. thanks for all the info on that question before. Doug Middleton