Columbia 28-2 Information, Review, Specs

The Columbia 28-2 emerged from a period of significant innovation at Columbia Yachts, a company that had rapidly established itself as a leader in fiberglass sailboat production. Designed by William Crealock, the 28-2 marked a stylistic departure from some of Columbia's earlier models, such as the C-24, C-26, and C-29, by incorporating a more "bullet-shaped" main cabin and ports, moving away from a boxier aesthetic. Introduced in 1969, the vessel also featured a fin keel with a spade rudder, a relatively modern configuration for its time, and was one of the first Columbia models to adopt a fin keel design.

Columbia Yachts, under the leadership of Richard Valdes, became synonymous with the widespread adoption of fiberglass, prized for its durability, reduced maintenance, and the efficiency it brought to mass production. The company's design philosophy consistently favored collaboration with prominent naval architects like Crealock, aiming to produce yachts with a reputation for good performance and seaworthiness. The 28-2's designation as a "Mk II" or "28-2" signifies its status as an updated version of the original Columbia 28, incorporating refinements to its keel and sail plan.

Sailing Performance and Handling

For a vessel of its size, the Columbia 28-2 is generally regarded as a competent performer, benefiting from William Crealock’s design expertise. While she is not a lightweight racer, her build contributes to a stable and predictable motion in varying sea states, a characteristic often sought after by cruisers. Owners frequently commend her solid feel on the water, suggesting a capability that can extend to more ambitious cruising, with some even considering her for offshore passages. Her fin keel and spade rudder configuration typically offer responsive handling and a good degree of maneuverability.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Columbia 28-2, while compact, is designed to maximize living space and comfort for coastal cruising and overnight stays. Details from available sources and owner experiences suggest a practical layout, typical of cruisers from her era. The design moved away from the more angular cabin styles of earlier Columbias, adopting a "bullet shaped" main cabin that likely contributed to a more inviting interior volume. While specific headroom figures are not readily available, the focus on comfortable interiors was a hallmark of Columbia Yachts. The vessel is equipped with an 18-gallon water capacity, indicating provision for extended stays aboard. Common interior arrangements would typically include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that convert to berths, a galley area often positioned to port or starboard, and a marine head. Owners have occasionally noted areas prone to water intrusion, such as around the sink, which can be a consideration in older vessels of this type.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Columbia 28-2 frequently praise its fundamental design and solid construction, often expressing confidence in its capabilities for various cruising endeavors. The influence of William Crealock as the designer is often highlighted as a significant positive. Many describe the boat as having "character" and serving its purpose well as a comfortable cruising platform.

However, like many older fiberglass boats, certain recurring maintenance items are noted by the owner community. Among the most commonly mentioned issues are rusted keel bolts and leaks around the windows, which are typical challenges associated with vessels of this vintage and may require attention from prospective owners. Despite these common maintenance points, the general consensus among owners points to a robust and capable sailboat that, with proper care, continues to provide rewarding sailing experiences.