The early Columbias had plywood in the deck as a stiffner. The hulls
were glass and has encapsulated ballast. Not a bad sailer at all. I
used to race (many mango seasons ago) against them in a Del Rey 24,
another flush deck of that era. They held their own against the
Islander Bahama of that time as well as the Gladiator.

It should make a worthwhile project for a small cruiser. Best of luck.


Anyone have any experience with Columbia Yatchs? (Yes DSK I'm still looking
at projects ) BTW - thanks for all the great links you sent. I've found
this 24' raised deck at a reasonable price, needs interior wood work and
sails; haven't seen it up close. (looks better than the Schock). All the
wood needs replacement and I'm concerned about the keel attachments, looking
at a plan for one of their 26' models, it appears to be a glass/ply/glass
sandwich. If the sandwich is rotten then it would be a major fix. Any
advise on this condition in other boats? SHort of taking a awl to it I
don't know if there would any indication at the floor or hull interface that
the ply had given out; I guess the keel might start to separate from the
hull and be loose.
Thanks for the help in advance.

Richard

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