Columbia 8.7 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The initial Columbia 8.7 models began production in 1976 under Columbia Yachts, a company pivotal in the American fiberglass sailboat industry. Columbia Yachts, under founder Richard Valdes, was known for its commitment to fiberglass construction, delivering classic designs and comfortable interiors that were considered luxurious for their era. However, the original Columbia Yachts ceased operations in 1978 due to labor issues, leading to a complex production lineage for the 8.7. In 1979, the molds for the Columbia 8.7 were acquired by Hughes Boat Works in Canada, who continued production under the "Hughes-Columbia" name. Following Hughes Boat Works' receivership in 1982, the molds briefly passed to Aura Yachts before Hughes re-purchased them in 1986, continuing production until a factory fire in 1991 effectively ended the original Columbia production era. Alan Payne's design philosophy for the 8.7 centered on creating a dedicated cruiser, emphasizing volume and comfort over outright racing performance, a characteristic evident in its "wide body" designation. While specific MkI or MkII variations are not widely noted, early models produced before 1978 are frequently cited by owners for issues with profusely leaking ports, indicating some minor evolution or quality variations during its production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Columbia 8.7, with its design focused on comfortable cruising, exhibits a sailing performance profile consistent with its purpose. Her Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 15.9 suggests that while she is well-mannered, she is not optimized for blistering light-air performance. This is further corroborated by owner reports and reviews, which describe the boat as "under-powered in light air" and noting that its "mediocre light-air performance is borne out by the boat's PHRF ratings."

Despite this, the boat offers a stable and predictable ride. A healthy Ballast to Displacement ratio of 0.41 indicates a stiff and stable platform, capable of standing up to a breeze and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. Her Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 305 places her firmly in the heavy displacement category, suggesting a solid, traditional cruiser that prioritizes comfort and seaworthiness over nimble, high-speed sailing. Anecdotal accounts frequently praise the Columbia 8.7 for its "stiff sailing characteristics" and "good tracking ability," confirming she is "well-balanced and well-mannered under sail." Owners note that the boat tracks well with the rudder, contributing to its ease of handling, though her moderate sail area of 416 square feet can limit her movement in extremely light wind conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Columbia 8.7 is particularly notable for its surprising volume and practical layout for a vessel of just over 28 feet. Designed as a "wide body super cruiser," the boat makes efficient use of its beam, offering a "spacious interior accommodations" that often convince potential buyers. The interior boasts a generous 73 inches (approximately 6 feet) of headroom, a significant comfort factor for many sailors.

The typical arrangement includes sleeping accommodations for five people. Forward, a double "V" berth provides comfortable sleeping quarters. The main salon features two long settees that serve as seating during the day and can convert into additional berths at night. While specific details on the galley are limited, it generally includes a sink and an ice box, providing basic amenities for cruising. The interior is frequently finished with teak, contributing to a classic and warm aesthetic. Overall, the Columbia 8.7's interior is consistently described as "big for a 28 1/2' boat," offering ample living space and storage for its size, making it a comfortable choice for extended weekends or coastal cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Columbia 8.7 generally express appreciation for its robust construction and comfortable cruising capabilities. A recurring theme in owner feedback is the commendation for its "stiff sailing characteristics and good tracking ability," which provides a sense of security and ease of handling in varying conditions. Many also consistently praise the remarkably "roomy" and "spacious interior" for a boat of its length, often highlighting the impressive headroom as a significant comfort factor.

However, the Columbia 8.7 is not without its commonly noted quirks and maintenance considerations. A frequently cited weakness, particularly in earlier models produced before 1978, is the tendency for the original ports to develop "profusely leaking" issues, often attributed to a "poor window design" that owners frequently need to address through re-bedding. Some owners have also reported isolated incidents of prop shaft issues, though this may not be a widespread systemic problem. Furthermore, consistent with its design as a cruiser, owners often acknowledge that the boat is "under-powered in light air," requiring patience or auxiliary power in such conditions. Despite these common points, the Columbia 8.7 remains a popular choice among those seeking a well-built, comfortable, and capable cruiser.