Roger,
I just spent an hour or so reading and perusing your website. Just
wanted to say thanks for taking the time.
I too ,bought a boat that, for me, is perfect, but for many 'would
seem a foolish choice. My boat is a Columbia 8.7,built in 1977. I had
a purchase budget of $30,000, but found this one listed for $13,000.
The entity that owned her took my first offer of $3750. I also doubled
my original investment, spending about another $3500 getting her ready
to launch.
I have to say here, that I had no sailing experience, save a couple of
hours on a Sailfish as a teenager. I was 52 when I bought this boat, 4
years ago. I took sailing lessons while I worked on getting her ready
to launch.
While she's been called a turkey by some sailors more knowledgeable
than I, I've been totally satisfied by her ability to self steer for
prolonged periods on the Rappahannock River and Chesapeake Bay. I've
watched as she's held course in 15kt winds for over an hour and a half
with balanced sails.
The one knockdown I have suffered, under full main and a 120 head
sail, was totally my fault. There were three (3) converging storm
fronts, with reported wind gusts to 60mph. We were rushing to get home
after a 10 day trip, and I didn't want to slow down to furl the main
and unhank the jib. We got hit broadside with a 50 to 60 mph gust, the
spreader tip hit the water, and a few seconds later she stood up and
kept right on going. Needless to say, we took down the jib, reefed the
main, and started the engine. The balance of the trip was uneventful.
I've read reports that call her a turkey, a dog, and worse. Most of
the negative reports have been from folks who've sailed on one, but
not for extended periods. They criticize her for her inability to move
if winds are much below 8kts, and poor control if winds are much above
25kts. I've sailed her in both extremes, and while shes a little slow,
she does move, and I have steerage down in the 2knot range. She will
move at 7kts, with 30 degrees of heel, in 25 knot sustained winds. I
generally single hand, and don't really need to be out in winds much
over 25 knots anyway.
I looked at a lot of boats she chose me. I talked to several folks who
gave a thumbs down to her. I also talked to two lifetime sailors with
over 50,000 miles of sailing each. Both owned 8.7's. One sailed
extensively in the Gulf of Mexico, in all types of weather. His 8.7
was his 5th or 6th boat. He had hand built two of his previous boats,
and had sailed California to Hawaii, and back, numerous times. He had
spent alot of time cruising the Caribbean and Cuban waters. The 8.7
was by far his favorite boat.
The second gentleman was also a multi boat owner. He had several
transatlantic crossings under his belt on several different boats,
most larger, and heavier than the 8.7. He sailed his 8.7 from New York
to Europe, and Europe to Venezuela, then back to New York. The only
major modification that he made was to yank out the 115 volt wiring
system. He didn't trust shore power.
I suppose that the point I'm trying to make is this. The best boat for
you, is the one that you own at the time. I'm totally happy with my 31
year old Columbia, and I'm prepared to invest an amount equal to her
purchase price, anytime, to keep her in decent sailing shape.
I would be happy to join your hosted forum if you should decide to put
it together.You could call it "Old Boats for Even Older Guys (or
Gals) . You can email me at Radicalcy (At) yahoo (dot) com.
Fair Winds,
Larry Wilson
P.S. You're more than welcome to correct my spelling. (Mispellers
of the world.....untie!!!!!)
SV AllAboutMe
1977 Columbia 8.7
Hull #60
Richmond,Va
Home Port, Urbanna,Va.