See full version: Columbia 9. 6
Most owners responding to our Boat Owners Questionnaire rate construction quality as excellent, despite the fact that nearly all respondents complained about problems with the hull-sump joint. A few also noted gelcoat crazing. [links]
According to Heart of Glass, former PS editor Dan Spurrs encompassing history of the fiberglass boatbuilding industry, Columbia was founded by 25-year-old Richard Valdes and Maurice Thrienen in 1960. Valdes had graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1956. Thrienen, 10 years older, had served in the US Navy submarine service during World War II. In 1957, Thrienen was selling fiberglass supplies.
The overhangs are fairly generous, especially the almost clipperesque bow (because of its slight concave shape), which gives the boat just a 23’9″ waterline length. Draft is 5’6″, which is a bit deeper than many 32-footers, and a nice concession toward the fast end of the performance continuum.
The Design
Columbia called Paynes “meter” boats “Widebody Supercruisers.” While some other models in the line may have had wider beam than most of their contemporaries, this isn’t the case with the 9.6’s 10’2″ beam. For example, the 1973 Ranger 32’s beam is 10’10”; the Paceship 32 10’6″ and the C&C-designed Ontario 32 11’0″. Yes, there were boats with narrower beams, but these were generally older designs.
We could make do with either of the two interiors. Pilot berths make good sea berths and also are good places to store frequently accessed gear. Fit the berths with adjustable weather cloths to keep stuff from flying across the cabin. One owner said that the interior was great for overnight races, and we assume he’s referring to the four berths amidships (or three in the saloon and one quarterberth in the early model). Kids like pilot berths, too.
The boat appears in Atom Voyages list of proven boats for offshore voyaging so we've included it here. We've heard that construction quality was good through to the end of 1967 where quality started to decline. Most of the tabbing was glassed over marine ply which becomes saturated over time. here
According to the sales material of the time, the boat can sleep 6 (at a pinch) having two quarter berths, a forepeak double, and a convertible dinette. The boat came standard powered by an outboard motor operating within a cockpit well, there was an inboard 8hp Atomic 4 gasoline engine as an alternative option. Early models had 3120 pounds of ballast which got bumped up to 4,100 pounds in later models before the introduction of the MkII. In total 304 MkI hulls were built between 1961 and 1967. more
A raised deck version was built as the Defender 29, which offered more interior room and a flush deck. Though some may cite higher freeboard at first glance as a disadvantage, the overall windage when compared the equivalent Columbia 29 cabin profile is actually reduced. [links]
Primarily designed for coastal cruising the Columbia 29 is easy to sail and has reasonable comfort for its size. The boat has sleek lines and good performance for her era. more
LOA: 28' 6"
LWL: 22' 6"
Beam: 8' 0"
Draft: 4' 0"
Ballast early MkI: 3,120 lbs. (lead)
Ballast late MkI: 3,120 lbs. (lead)
Ballast MkII: 4,100 lbs. (lead)
Displacement early MkI: 7,400 lbs.
Displacement late MkI: 8,400 lbs.
Displacement MkII: 8,400 lbs.
Sail Area: 382 sq.ft.
Headroom: 6' 0"
Engine Standard: outboard well (standard) / Atomic 4 inboard (optional)
Fuel: 16 US Gal.
Fuel: 12 US Gal. (with optional inboard)
Water: 25 US Gal.
Designer: Sparkman and Stephens (Design #1508)
Year Introduced MkI: 1962
Year Introduced MkII: 1967
Year Ended MkI: 1967
Year Ended MkII: 1969
Builder: Columbia Yachts [links]
CR offers a rental inventory for that one time use of blocks, toe jacks hoists, dynometers, spreader bars and more. We have proof load testing capacity of 150T inhouse and 100,000lbs mobile testing equipment.
Charleston’s Rigging & Marine Hardware also does business as Carolina’s Rigging & Crane. We are approaching our 30th anniversary serving our customers. We are very honored to touch so many levels of commerce that we do and we take it very seriously.
Our crane service division repairs, installs and inspects crane systems and hoists. We know your time is important so we offer 24 hours breakdown service to get you back up and running.
Charleston’s Rigging partners with manufacturers, construction, maritime, energy & transportation/packaging companies who are in need of reputable wire rope, nylon, chain, and hoist products. [links]
All our products adhere to OSHA B30.9, ANSI, and Association of Wire Rope Fabricators best practices. We stock all types of wire rope, nylon, chain, industrial, safety and maritime products. Let us find you the best prices and the best products for special order.
We’ve helped shape Charleston by helping build the latest structures, and helping preserve history. This photo shows the Hunley being surfaced. here
If you’re looking for sailboat hardware – you’ve come to the right place. Fisheries Supply carries sailboat parts from all the best brands, including Harken, Schaefer, Ronstan, Lewmar and many more. We also offer an array of rigging services – from splicing new lines, to building life lines, to fully replacing your existing standing rigging. We stock the widest variety of sailboat accessories you can possibly imagine – so look no further to find the marine parts you need to keep your boat out sailing!
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