TOPIC: 1972 - 16' Fiberform Columbia restoration

Hello,
New enthusiast here – from Bainbridge Island, WA

This little “Plane Jane” runabout isn’t exactly 70’s disco. It was bobbing about on C-list for a few months. Finally had some business to do in the distant area where it was located… well, you know the story.

Everything is original, including the seats. The hull and deck are in very nice shape, cockpit too, but the 100% vinyl interior is loose in places, and I can see the floor is wet under the fiberglass matte, so I’m going to fully restore. The boat came from an estate, and the original motor was seized up, so they mounted an old 25 hp Evinrude for sales appeal. I already have a nice 1984 Johnson 70 hp that is sitting on a stand in the garage waiting, and I’m hoping it will be a good match because the boat is pretty light.

This is my second boat restoration, and I’m well aware that old, low cost factory boats like this aren’t very marketable, but I really like the size and simple interior, and my wife loves it. Fixing it up to keep, so my mind isn’t struggling. I just ordered 3 gallons of epoxy today.

I’ll post some progress reports

Welcome NWB
Coincidence. I just ran across the same boat in a shed today.
It had a little 70's Johnson on it. Last registered in '04.
It was in horrible shape. Yours looks like it is pretty nice.
Keep us posted, with pics.
Neil

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, NWB. (Course I kinda like the early 70's stuff anyway, LOL) Nice find, looking forward to your progress reports.

being original! Keep up posted.

People can bash and hate till they are blue in the face. That is a fine little runabout and she would be a great boat to play around in and fish out of. Some of the funnest boats I have ever owned were 16 to 18 foot glass runabouts. They were light, easy to repair, plentiful and could be pushed along with minimal power. I think she is a peach! And I think your wife is a peach too for letting you have this as a project. Give her a hug and tell her thanks for letting you live the dream!!!!!!!


Mike

Shes a fine looking old girl .Im surprised it was on Craigs for a couple of months .Im no boat designer or anything but that hull looks like she might scoot right along .Probaully handle pretty decent to .Im betting your gonna like her and have a blast .AND it sure beats the Cookie Cutter boats and Poontoons 90% of the people ride around in .On the back you should write ....ITS PAID FOR ...