Lines Led Aft

In order to make single handing and general operation of the boat easier, one of my first projects was to run all the control lines aft to the cockpit.



This pic shows the mast base and cabin top before modification.

To do this, I first thru-bolted two strap-eyes to the base of the mast to attach some blocks to in order to turn the lines back towards the cockpit.



I then incorporated a stack of two Ronstan series 40 single cheek blocks into the forward end of the grab rail/hatch slide assembly which was refurbished/installed concurrently.



I also installed a Spinlok Double Mini Jammer on either side of the bubble top for easy line cleating. Finally, I installed a second hand single speed winch on the port bubble top aft of the jammer to assist raising the mainsail and tightening the 1st reef clew. Run to the starboard side is the topping lift and the 1st reef tack. My mainsail currently has only one set of reef points. If I add a second set, or upgrade to a new sail, I'll have to figure out how to run two more lines back.

After one and a half years of use I am very satisfied with this set-up and have found it works smoothly and flawlessly except when the mainsail slugs get hung up in the mast slot, especially near the slot plate. Thankfully, keeping the slot clean and lubed seems to minimize this. Also, the jammers work great but the handles do stick up a bit above the bubble top and its easy to kick or snag them so that they flip open thereby loosening the line, so I do have to be somewhat careful of that.


Here's the finished assembly


A view of the winch, jammer and turning blocks. Also note the new boom vang.

Welcome to My New Blog

So here is the first post to this blog. The reason I've created this page is to detail the projects I've undertaken, am undertaking, and plan to undertake on my 1970 Columbia 26 MK 2 sailboat. It is also where I will document my day-trips, adventures, and excursions on the boat.

I bought the boat in June of 2008 and quickly discovered that the adage of boats being a hole in the water you pour money into is absolutely true. This is the first "big" sailboat I have ever owned, and even though it appeared to be in very good condition (and yes I had a survey), I soon discovered there were many areas that that the boat needed work and that every project costs twice what you think and takes three times longer!

In the course of researching these projects prior to taking them on, I discovered that even though there are hundreds of Columbia 26 MK2 s in existence, there is actually very little on the web as far as info on making repairs or modifications to this boat, especially with supporting pictures. To this end, I thought I would chronicle my experiences for other MK2 owners, other "plastic classic" sailboat owners. and for friends and family who might like to see what I'm up to.

My boat is currently slipped in the Ventura County commercial fishing dock in Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard California. Feel free to stop by and say Hi, I'm always up for chatting about sailing!