[Search for users] [Overall Top Noters] [List of all Conferences] [Download this site]

Conference vicki::boats

Title:	Powerboats
Notice:	Introductions 2 /Classifieds 3 / '97 Ski Season 1267
Moderator:	KWLITY::SUTER

Created:	Thu May 12 1988
Last Modified:	Wed Jun 04 1997
Last Successful Update:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:	1275
Total number of notes:	18109

745.0. "Columbia boat info requested" by IOENG::DHART (Vegetarian Extremist) Mon Aug 27 1990 13:04

    
  I'm looking for information on a used boat that I'm thinking of buying.  The
boat has an oval shaped nameplate on either side near the stern that proclaims
COLUMBIA.  It seems to be a fairly sturdy fiberglass 16' runabout with high
sides and a bow deck.  There is some damage to the transom, which includes a
2' long crack through the inner hull(No damage outside)developing between the
two bolts that hold the outboard motor mount to the hull.  There is also some
minor structural damage to the motor well, just to one side of the motor clamp
mount as well.  The damage can be repaired, and in fact I have done fiberglass
work of this nature in the past, and feel that I can significantly reinforce
the transom to eliminate this problem.  The boat comes with a 150 hp Merc, and
this may be part of the problem.  Although this model Merc 1500EL(1977 inline
six) is only a 100 cubic inch engine, and therefore small and light for its
power output, it may be too powerfull for this boat.  The spec plate is no
where to be found on the boat, and I have tried to find the manufacturer to
get this info, but to no avail.  Does anyone out there have any info on a
1972 COLUMBIA 16' runabout with bow deck?  Or is there some other way that
anyone knows of whereby I can get some more info regarding the specs on this
boat(Dimensions, weight, power rating, etc.)  I tried calling the Companies
with Columbia in their name as found in the guide to manufacturers at the 
library, but have not had any luck yet.(One of the phone numbers was invalid, 
and I was not able to get a replacement.)  Any help with this would be greatly
appreciated.

	Thanks in advance,

			Don

T.R	Title	User	Personal Name	Date	Lines
745.1	Is that crack 2 INCHES or 2 FEET long?	CSMET2::CHACE	it IS warmer!	`Mon Aug 27 1990 14:34`	15
	I don't know about Columbia boats, but judging from your description and relating it to what I have seen, I'd say your guess about the boat being overpowered is correct. While there are several factors which determine how much power a boat can handle (engine weight, boat length, width, hull design, construction, etc) most boats I have seen in the 16 foot range have a max rated HP of ~100. It is quite possible that the cracks you have noticed around the motor mount area are the result of the stress of 150 hp on a transom that may have been designed for a lot less hp. It is also possible that the transom has been permanently damaged by that stress - you should check it carefully and maybe even have 'professional' who repairs hulls take a look at it. Kenny
745.2	Buyer's market	GOLF::WILSON	Outboard owners have longer...seasons!	`Mon Aug 27 1990 15:05`	22
	Two articles that were in Trailer Boats magazine in the last year or two come to mind... The first was on how to figure the max horsepower of a boat, using the Coast Guard's standards. It takes into account length, displacement, freeboard, beam, and a bunch of other stuff. I agree with Kenny though, it doesn't take a naval architect to to figure out that a 16' boat that's 20+ years old is probably overpowered with a 150 hp outboard. The second article covered the removal and replacement of an entire transom on a fiberglass boat. If I can find either article in my travels I'll let you know... As you said in the e-mail that we exchanged offline, it is a buyer's market right now, and there are good deals to be had. Look around before making your final decision on this boat, and good luck! Rick W.
745.3	One more BIG question???	IOENG::DHART	Vegetarian Extremist	`Fri Sep 07 1990 15:29`	15
	Well, thanks for your help. I never did find any more info on this boat, after visiting marinas etc. I am going to try picking brains at the boat show this weekend. The owner finally broke down after only one month and dropped his listed price("$3,000.00 FIRM") down to my offer("$2,000.00 FIRMER") It must be getting cold up there in Maine, he wants to get his new car into that garage. Looks like I might have another winter project,(Besides the house and race car) if I can only convince my wife that we need this boat. The kids are on my side.(They love to ski, kneeboard, tube, etc.) Dad and brother live on lakes and have boats. "We" never owned a boat. Any suggestions??? Thanks again, Don
745.4	Overpowering a boat is not just a theoretical imposition on personal liberties	JLGVS::GUNNERSON		`Mon Sep 10 1990 11:36`	8
	There is "good" story of an overpowered boat in the latest issue of the USPS publication the Ensign. In this case it was a 300 HP engine on an old boat with a deep vee hull design, when on plane there wasn't enough hull contact with the water and a tight turn to avoid some rocks ended up turning the boat over with the occupants in the water in conditions that weren't so great. An overpowered boat can be quite dangerous apart from the possible damge to the hill noted. john