1963 Columbia 29, hull #37, "Pythagoras"

by Don Litton
(Channel Islands, CA, USA)

As a former owner of a Columbia 24 many years ago, I was glad to find this 29 for sale last summer. These old boats were built tough and are part of the old-school tradition of full keels molded with the hull, keel-hung rudders and narrow beams.

I probably won't be winning any races but for sea-worthiness and sea-kindliness, she is wonderful. My cruising ground is the Channel Islands here in southern California. Although they aren't far, the Santa Barbara Channel can offer up a lot of fun and challenging seas at times so it's nice to have a boat that is at ease under a variety of conditions.

She is a bit tender, but designed by Sparkman and Stephens to be that way to switch to a longer waterline. On a reach she easily jumps to 6 knots. I found one with no inboard engine, so no cut-out of the keel and rudder for a prop. I like that. Yes I have to deal with an outboard but the reduced weight, smell, through-hulls, maintenance and leaks that come with an inboard make it worth it to me. I am sure not all would agree.

In my old 24 I cruised many miles around the Channel Islands and plan the same for many more with my family.


Additional info by Sailboat-Cruising.com


  • Hull Type:~ Long keel
  • Hull Material:~ GRP (Fibreglass)
  • Length Overall:~ 28'6" / 8.7m
  • Waterline Length:~ 22'6" / 6.9m
  • Beam:~ 8'0" / 2.4m
  • Draft:~ 4'0" / 1.2m
  • Rig Type:~ Masthead sloop
  • Displacement:~ 7,400lb / 3,357kg
  • Sail Area/Displacement Ratio:~ 16.46
  • Displacement/Length Ratio:~ 202
  • Designer:~ Sparkman & Stephens
  • Builder:~ Columbia Yachts (USA)
  • Year First Built:~ 1961
  • Year Last Built:~ 1965


Pythagorus is a 1963 MkI version of the Columbia 29. That year a raised deck version known as the 'Columbia 29 Defender' was introduced.

In 1965 production of the MkI ended and a MkII version was introduced, which sported a sleeker deck and coachroof than the MkI.

Production of the Columbia 29 came to an end in 1969, with some 600-odd boats having been constructed.

Comments for 1963 Columbia 29, hull #37, "Pythagoras"

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Nov 06, 2022
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Columbia 29
by: Anonymous

Hey Rich, if you change to a folding prop (I assume you have an inboard with the 2 bladed prop) I bet you'll be doing over 7 pretty regularly on a reach!

Nov 06, 2022
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1962 Columbia 29, hull #36, Panacea
by: Rich

Great boat sailing her on the Chesapeake since 1986, still going strong. Just yesterday we were doing 6.5 on a beam reach.

Nov 06, 2022
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1962 Columbia 29, hull #36, Panacea
by: Rich

Great boat sailing her on the Chesapeake since 1986, still going strong. Just yesterday we were doing 6.5 on a beam reach.

Sep 23, 2022
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Bought old 67 Columbia 29 Mark 2 (deck leaks) no motor
by: Admiral Mick

Have deck leaks.prior owner said he traced leaks to wooden stem plate area at nose of boat (on deck). toe rail all removed. Sloppy job of patching lowered edge of missing toe rail to avoid rain and seas.may take Fabio's suggestion and build up thin strips of flat teak layered with fiberglass cloth to build new durable laminate toe rails.want to have someone build companionway hatch out of fiberglass cheaply, and also hatch forward of mast. Need large used gas tank to put in engine compartment for motoring IntraCoastalWaterway from Norfolk to Jacksonville Fla. have working outboard on bracket.

Mar 27, 2021
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Catalina island race
by: Alex Menotti

My Columbia 29, 1961 Hull #3 "Tangaroa" won the Catalina Island race (or at least placed, I will have to check the plaque in the cabin), so great to hear there is still a Columbia 29 cruising the channel islands. Tangaroa has been on the Chesapeake Bay for many years, but started her life on the west coast.

Jul 22, 2020
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I have had my Columbia 29 MK1 for 32 years
by: Dave

I would like to stay in touch....I have had mine
since 1989 and have cruised all over the nw on her.
I have good videos....

dave@davisrnd.com

Feb 23, 2019
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Beautiful boat
by: Kittie

Hi Don,
I have a 1962 Columbia 29 that was my fathers. He’s had it since 1973 and absolutely loved it. Am considering selling. She’s in good shape and mechanically sound but needs a little TLC estetically. These boats are rare, classic beauties that you don’t find every day and I would like to find someone who knows and appreciates her worth. Please let me know if you know anyone who would be interested.
Kittie
Kittie@kernsfamily.org

Feb 23, 2019
Rating
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Beautiful boat
by: Kittie

Hi Don,
I have a 1962 Columbia 29 that was my fathers. He’s had it since 1973 and absolutely loved it. Am considering selling. She’s in good shape and mechanically sound but needs a little TLC estetically. These boats are rare, classic beauties that you don’t find every day and I would like to find someone who knows and appreciates her worth. Please let me know if you know anyone who would be interested.
Kittie
Kittie@kernsfamily.org

Jan 09, 2019
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Rugged little boats
by: S/V Endurance

Don,

We have the same boat, 1962 mk1 Columbia 29. Absolutely love her. Construction is wonderful and the Honduran mahogany interior is beautiful. We're conducting refit now and really think these old boats are such a great value proposition.

Will contact you when we get down south. We will sail the channel islands with you for sure!

Jun 16, 2015
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Hull#37
by: Don Litton

Mr Morgan, I am going to write you and we'll take her out together one day soon if you are up to it!

Jun 02, 2015
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First Owner
by: morgantm@venturamail.net

I brought it up from the factory in January 1963 and cruised in it for 25 years. I have Sparkman & Stevans drawings of it, given on the condition that they not be used to build a boat.
I thoroughly enjoyed the boat and only sold it because I was getting too old to single-hand it.

May 29, 2015
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5 stars to the boat
by: Fabio

Good to read about your boat Don, and I am sure the outboard engine is not a big deal when you have such a manouvrable and forgiving boat.
I am doing tons of work on my Columbia 29, but everything has to come to a stop by November.
Enjoy your summer of sailing!

Dec 30, 2014
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More on these great little cruisers...
by: Dick McClary

For more info on Columbia 29s, have a look at http://www.columbia-yachts.com/c-29.html

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