Sailing Performance & Handling
The sailing characteristics of the Columbia 8.7 are defined by its high initial stability and significant displacement. With a design weight of approximately 8,500 pounds and a ballast-to-displacement ratio of roughly 39%, the boat is a stiff platform that carries its canvas well into a freshening breeze. According to technical notes from the Columbia Yachts History archives, Alan Payne’s hull form utilized a deep, forgiving entry and a wide midsection to provide a dry ride in offshore conditions.
In light air, the 8.7 can be sluggish, as its substantial wetted surface area and relatively modest sail area-to-displacement ratio (approximately 15.5) require a decent puff to overcome inertia. However, once the wind reaches 10–12 knots, the boat tracks exceptionally well. The skeg-hung rudder provides a balanced feel and protection from debris, though the wide beam can lead to increased helm pressure if the boat is allowed to heel excessively. Owners often report that the 8.7 "sails on her lines" best when kept relatively flat, utilizing the hull’s inherent form stability rather than relying solely on the lead keel.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The interior of the Columbia 8.7 is where the Alan Payne "wide-body" concept truly shines, offering a living space that challenged almost every other 28-footer on the market in the late 1970s. By carrying the beam well aft and maintaining high topsides, Columbia created a cabin with nearly 6'1" of headroom and an expansive salon. The standard layout features a traditional V-berth forward, followed by a full-width head—an unusual luxury for a boat of this length—which provides a significant buffer of privacy between the sleeping quarters and the main salon.
The salon typically includes a settee that converts into a double berth and a large dinette. The use of faux-teak laminates and molded fiberglass liners was standard for the era, designed for durability and ease of maintenance. While the 8.7 did not have the myriad of cabin configurations seen in larger modern production boats, some variations in galley cabinetry and engine access exist depending on whether the boat was fitted with the original Palmer or Atomic 4 gasoline engines, or the later Yanmar diesel upgrades. The 8.7’s sibling, the Columbia 10.7, utilized a nearly identical aesthetic but expanded the layout to include a dedicated navigation station and a larger aft galley.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers should approach the Columbia 8.7 with a focus on structural integrity typical of 1970s fiberglass construction. While the hulls are generally overbuilt and robust, several "gotchas" have been identified through long-term owner reports and forum syntheses.
- Deck Delamination: Like many boats of this vintage, the 8.7 uses a balsa-cored deck. Moisture ingress around the chainplates, stanchion bases, and the mast step can lead to soft spots. The mast step area is particularly critical, as the compression post loads must be properly transferred to the keel grid.
- The "Bustle" and Rudder Skeg: The Alan Payne design features a bustle—a hydrodynamic protrusion near the stern—which can be a point of osmotic blistering if the boat was not properly barrier-coated. Additionally, the skeg-hung rudder attachment points should be inspected for play or "slop," which indicates wear in the lower bronze gudgeon.
- Chainplate Anchors: The chainplates on the 8.7 are bolted to fiberglass knees. Over decades, these bolts can leak, leading to hidden rot in the surrounding cabinetry or weakening the fiberglass bond.
- Portlight Leaks: The original large fixed portlights are notorious for leaking. Many owners replace these with recessed Newfound Metals or similar stainless/plastic opening ports to improve ventilation and seal the cabin.
Community & Resources
The Columbia 8.7 enjoys a dedicated following among coastal cruisers who value "pounds per dollar" and interior volume. The primary repository for technical data and original manuals is the Columbia Yacht Owners Association, which maintains an extensive digital library of Alan Payne’s original blueprints and Whittaker-era sales brochures. While no longer in production, the 8.7 remains a staple in the used market for sailors looking for a "pocket" bluewater boat capable of comfortable weekending.
The Verdict
The Columbia 8.7 is a quintessential "big small boat," trading nimble light-air performance for massive interior volume and a reassuringly heavy feel on the water.
Pros:
- Exceptional Interior Volume: Feels and lives like a 32-foot boat.
- Sturdy Construction: Thick hull scantlings and a protected skeg-hung rudder.
- Alan Payne Pedigree: Designed by a world-class architect for seaworthiness.
- Value: Offers significant living space for a relatively low entry price.
Cons:
- Light Air Performance: Struggles in under 8 knots of wind due to weight and wetted surface.
- Aesthetic: The high topsides and wide beam result in a somewhat "chunky" profile.
- Age-Related Maintenance: Buyers must be vigilant regarding deck core moisture and aging original systems.
