Back to the water

[Guitar Teacher]

Hello, everyone. I am the former owner of a Columbia 26, that appears to be on its way back to me. A great thing about selling your boat to a friend is the prospect of getting it back!

I know many people have successfully made long hauls in boats this size, and I am hoping to hear from someone in a "less than 30-footer" for comments about their successes and failures at sea.

Thanks,
GT

[Pblais]

A second chance with a familiar boat sounds nice to me.

[mickmul]

The Contessa 26 is a great long distance voyager . . check out the circumnavs that are on the web. Not familiar with the Columbia - would you consider going a little bigger before she "comes back to you"?

[GordMay]

Hope your Columbia (not comparable to a Contessa, IMHO) doesn't have the Shag Carpet ...

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha GT,
I used to think the Columbia 26 was a bit odd looking with the bubble top and high freeboard. Then I was talking with another sailor and they mentioned the headroom and spacious interior. I understand they were built pretty solid too.
There are a couple of them here in Hilo so they've sailed over from California on many occasions.
Kind Regards,
JohnL

[Guitar Teacher]

Thanks for the encouraging words, Skipr.

My hope is to make it halfway around the world. The high freeboard seems to be a major advantage. Plus, the thing weighs over 6000 lbs... I guess that is pretty solid.

The bubble top also allows for cleaner deck. Less to trip over.

Planning a new bottom, plus major inspection and maintenance before departure. Any other "voice of experience" advice you'd like to offer will be appreciated.

Fair Winds,
GT

[Don't Panic]

Am a bassist/keyboard player (wanna-be 6-stringer)...wonder what you think about taking instruments aboard...headphone amps, acoustic only...harmful effects of H2O and humidity on the gear.

I can't imagine not having any instruments around for too long.

Take Care

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha again GT,
Replace old rigging and check the rudder stock and rudder attachment to the stock. It seems to be the major failure points for a long haul off the wind.
Kind Regards,
JohnL

[Guitar Teacher]

John. thanks again for the inspection tips. I am making a list!!

DP, I have mixed feelings about guitars. I will definitely take a cheap acoustic, and considering taking a very nice one. Drying out is the real harm, so as long as it doesn't get immersed, I think the sea air will not be terrible on the wood. The tuners and electronics are more likely to suffer corrosion. Sealing a guitar in its case should get it to its destination safely. Still weighing all the +/- of that.

There is a company called RainSong that makes a carbon fiber guitar. They sound great and will never warp. In fact, you could use it as a paddle and then go play a gig!! That is a strong contender. Taking a Tele along for sure...

TLC