Question:
I am thinking about buying a Aluminum Boat Columbia 36. Anybody care to comment?
Answer:
-The boat is the largest in a series of boats designed for Columbia Yachts by
William Crealock. The series included the 21' fixed-keel daysailer which
had a huge cockpit and walk around mast, the Columbia 28 and 28 Mark II, and
the 36. All these boats had the same basic hull form.
I think the 36 was in production from the latest of 60's into the mid 70's.
I have seen them with sloop and yawl rigs. Most were equipped with Atomic
Four engines, but they could have been changed out by now. The 36 has a
classic good look that is very pleasing to the eye, especially in this age
of chunky boats that have goofy powerboat windows and look to have been
overinflated at the service station air pump.
I would look the boat over real good for water intrusion just because of
it's age. Also, get down in the bilge and look for signs of stress at the
sub-bulkheads and check all wood components down there for rot. Just
because the boat has a fiberglass interior does not mean there can't be
trouble in the bilge. Also, check out the aluminum extrusion that backs up
the vinyl rubrail. This has a cross section in the shape of an "H" and the
hull and deck are fastened together using screws, sealant and this
extrusion. Check the aluminum for collision dents. Get a few buddies to go
with you, the more eyes the better. Read as much as you can, and remember
there are a lot of boats for sale right now
-I would suggest viewing the Columbia Website,specifically the registry,
contacting other 36 owners, and posting your request for information also
on the Columbia Mail List, all of this information is available to you a
