Cockpit Locker Lids (July 1988)

The Columbia 8.3, original teak, plywood cockpit hatch lids were in sad shape. We managed to find out that The Hughes Columbia Co. in Orangeville, Ontario, Canada had designed built a set of fiberglass lids for the Columbia 8.3. We ordered a set and installed them as soon as they arrived. They fit well and are still in great shape.

Head Compartment Redesign (June 1988)

The original head compartment, shown to the left below, consisted of the head and small, fold-down sink (picture is from a sister ship). This picture shows the toilet located more forward than the one in our boat (see the “after” picture). We had an idea that the compartment was large enough to fit the sink in the space between the toilet and the forward bulkhead and to provide a storage compartment outboard and above the sink. On the right, below, is the concept sketch.

We removed the old cabinet and sink. (left-hand picture, below, looking directly outboard) The project involved many measurements, mockups, detail design and hours of fabrication before it was complete. The right-hand picture, below, shows the installation of the sink counter. The center lower picture,  below, shows the installation of the storage compartment.

This is the picture the completed installation.

The tan vinyl wall covering was replaced with thinner, vertical grade, white Formica in 1994.

The sink plumbing includes a ball valve in the inlet to the hand pump. This valve is normally closed to prevent fresh water from the tank from pouring out the hand pump when the boat is heavily heeled to port. There is also a ball valve in the sink drain line to maintain suction for the inlet side of the toilet flush pump. This is because the sink drain and the the toilet pump inlet share the same thru hull connection.

{Lessons learned:

1. You should take the effort to use all available space in a small boat
2. It helps to have a good knowledge of plumbing for boats.}

Hull model (May 1988)

The model is scaled 1/2 inch to the foot and was shaped from glued up blocks of scrap RenShape 450 (a model making material that is used in the auto industry). We were fortunate that Columbia provided approximate hull lines in their sales brochure. The most difficult part was to get the paint lines straight and fine to within about 1/2 mm (0.02 inches).

The completed model, mounted on a display board, is show below.

This view shows the model and display board, as mounted in the boat on the port side of the forward bulkhead.

(Revised: 25 Jan 2018)

Helmsman Seat (May 1988)

Designed and built an arched helmsman seat that fits and mounts between the cockpit seats, at the rear of the cockpit. It allows the helmsman sit in a forward facing position. It also provides some support, when the boat is heeled, for a person sitting diagonally in the aft corner(s) of the cockpit.

The seat is secured to the inner walls of the cockpit with two barrel bolts. These allow the seat to be removed and stowed in the starboard lazarette when not in use.

{Lesson learned:

Do not put up with being uncomfortable if you find a way to cure it.}

Cushion Fabric (May 1988)

Sewed new upholstery fabric covers for all interior cushions. New on left, old, typical, on right.