Columbia 29 Mk II Information, Review, Specs

The Columbia 29 Mk II was produced by Columbia Yachts between 1965 and 1969, with 304 hulls built during this period. It is based on Sparkman & Stephens design #1508. As pioneers in fiberglass yacht building, Columbia Yachts, founded by Richard "Dick" Valdes, focused on delivering durable, mass-produced vessels with classic designs and comfortable interiors, catering to the burgeoning recreational marine market of the mid-20th century.

The Mk II designation indicates an evolution from the earlier Columbia 29. While sharing the same hull, rig, and sail plan as its predecessor, the Mk II introduced a new deck and coach roof. This updated design featured a one-piece fiberglass headliner and a revised cabin trunk, although surprisingly, the overall cabin profile was actually reduced. This refinement aimed to modernize the boat's appearance and construction efficiency.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Columbia 29 Mk II, with its robust displacement of 8,400 lbs on a 22.5-foot waterline, clearly falls into the category of a heavier, more traditional cruiser. This is reflected in its high displacement-to-length ratio, suggesting a solid, sea-kindly vessel rather than a light-displacement racer. The boat features a long keel, which is a hallmark of designs from its era. This keel type contributes significantly to directional stability, helping the boat track well on a course, though it can result in less maneuverability compared to boats with fin keels.

With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 14.8, the Columbia 29 Mk II is a conservative performer, particularly in lighter air. However, its high ballast-to-displacement ratio of nearly 49% indicates excellent stiffness and stability. This substantial ballast allows the boat to stand up well to a breeze, making it feel secure and capable in moderate wind conditions and offering good righting capability. Owners and reviewers often describe the Columbia 29 Mk II as having sleek lines and good performance for its time, proving to be a very stable and stiff vessel. It is widely considered best suited for coastal cruising due to its inherent stability and comfortable motion.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom figures for the Columbia 29 Mk II are not universally documented, its interior layout is designed for comfortable coastal cruising. The typical arrangement includes one main cabin, generally offering sleeping accommodations for up to six persons. The interior often features a traditional V-berth forward, a head compartment, a main salon with settees that can convert to berths, and a galley area. Quarter berths aft are also a common feature, maximizing sleeping capacity within its 28.5-foot length.

The boat's construction with a fiberglass-balsa core deck is noted to contribute to improved interior climate control. A distinctive feature of the Mk II version is its one-piece fiberglass headliner and inner shell, which would have offered a cleaner, more integrated finish compared to earlier methods. Online discussions suggest the interior layout is rational and functional for its size. Original interior finishes often included wood trim, providing a classic yacht aesthetic.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Columbia 29 Mk II generally commend the boat for its solid construction and a comfortable motion, especially in a seaway, making it a reliable choice for coastal cruising. Many appreciate its inherent stability and stiffness, which instills confidence when sailing in a breeze. The classic Sparkman & Stephens lines and the boat's overall robust feel are frequently highlighted as strong points.

However, as with many vintage fiberglass yachts, certain common issues are noted by the owner community. One recurring concern among some owners involves the potential for the original internal plywood components not being marine-grade, which could lead to issues like termite damage over time if not properly maintained. Despite these potential maintenance considerations, the Columbia 29 Mk II maintains a loyal following, with many owners embarking on significant refits to preserve these enduring cruisers.