Columbia 8.7
Built 1976–1987 by Columbia Yachts / Hughes Boat Works / Aura Yachts
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About the Columbia 8.7
Researched from public sources for this model. Any individual boat may have been modified or repowered — confirm before relying on any figure.
- Built
- 1976–1987
- Builder
- Columbia Yachts / Hughes Boat Works / Aura Yachts
- Designer
- Alan Payne
- Length
- 28.58 ft
- Waterline
- 23.17 ft
- Beam
- 10 ft
- Draft
- 4.67 ft
- Displacement
- 8,500 lb
- Ballast
- 3,500 lb
- Hull
- fiberglass
- Hull / keel
- fin keel
- Rig
- sloop
- Propulsion
- inboard
- Fuel
- 20 gal
- Water
- 30 gal
- Number built
- 380
- Stern thruster
- not fitted
- Steering
- tiller
Tank capacities — where the figures come from
-
Fuel 20 gal
“Fuel Capacity: 20 Gallons” — owner's manual (1977), columbia-yachts.comThe Columbia owners' site transcribes the specifications of an original 1977 owner's manual: 20 gal. Our earlier 12 gal, from a spec database, disagrees. The manual is from the Whittaker-built years; boats built by Hughes (1979–86) and Aura could differ, but no source says so.
-
Water 30 gal
“Water Capacity Port: 30 Gallons” — owner's manual (1977), columbia-yachts.comThe same 1977 owner's manual lists one 30 gal tank to port. Our earlier 13 gal disagrees.
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Holding unknown
The owner's manual specifications list no holding tank.
-
Water heater unknown
“There is hot and cold pressure water with a shower attachment” — review, columbia-yachts.comA review of the Canadian-built Hughes 8.7, reproduced on the Columbia owners' site, mentions hot and cold pressure water in the head but doesn't say whether it was standard or optional and gives no heater size. Shore power was standard on the Canadian boats.
Tanks are often replaced or added on older boats — check the tank labels or a survey for yours.
Thrusters and steering — where this comes from
-
Bow thruster unknown
No source mentions a thruster.
-
Stern thruster not fitted
Our earlier figure of none has no source, and nothing was found either way.
-
Steering tiller
The transcribed 1977 owner's-manual specifications and a review on the Columbia owners' site don't say tiller or wheel, so our earlier figure of tiller (with some later pedestal-wheel boats) isn't confirmed.
Thrusters and steering are often replaced — check the units on your boat before ordering parts.
Uncored hull with molded-in longitudinal stringers and a plywood (not pan) interior. Built by Columbia (Whittaker), then Hughes Columbia in Ontario from 1979, Aura Yachts after Hughes' 1982 receivership, and Hughes again from 1986. Engines: Atomic 2 originally, Atomic 4 standard by 1978, Volvo diesels optional; Hughes offered Volvo MD7A or Yanmar 2QM15, a few got a Yanmar 3GMD. Aura boats use painted Cinkel spars and four standard opening ports. Tank sizes from sailboatdata.
Engines fitted
-
Atomic 4 (Universal) Atomic 2 — gas, single
standard
Practical Sailor: the original (1976) engine was the gas Atomic Two.Sources: practical-sailor.com
-
Atomic 4 (Universal) — gas, single
standard
By 1978 the larger Atomic Four was standard (Practical Sailor); Wikipedia also lists the Atomic 4 for original Columbia-built boats.Sources: practical-sailor.com · en.wikipedia.org
-
Volvo Penta MD6B — diesel, single
factory option
Diesel option alongside the early Atomic engines (Practical Sailor).Sources: practical-sailor.com
-
Volvo Penta MD7A — 13 hp, diesel, single
factory option
13 hp diesel option on Columbia- and Hughes-built boats.Sources: practical-sailor.com · en.wikipedia.org
-
Yanmar 2QM15 — 15 hp, diesel, single
factory option
Hughes-era option; Practical Sailor calls it probably the best engine for the boat (some shaft-coupling issues reported).Sources: practical-sailor.com · en.wikipedia.org
-
Yanmar 3GMD — 22.5 hp, diesel, single
factory option
Three-cylinder option fitted to some Hughes-built boats.Sources: practical-sailor.com · en.wikipedia.org
-
Volvo Penta 2002 — 18 hp, diesel, single
factory option
Wikipedia: some boats built by the later builder (Aura) had an 18 hp Volvo 2002.Sources: en.wikipedia.org
- Volvo Penta MD6B — diesel factory option
- Volvo Penta MD7A — 13 hp, diesel factory option
Boats of the same model can differ — check which engines yours actually has before ordering parts.
Manuals and brochures online
- Owner's manual Columbia 8.7 Specifications (transcribed from an original 1977 owner's manual, with a Pat Sturgeon review) (1977) — columbia-yachts.com
Hosted by the builder or an owners' association; they own the copyright.
Known problems for this model
-
Rudder delamination and water-soaked core steering
Owners report the two-piece foam-cored rudder delaminating and taking on water that can freeze and crack the thin skin; also check for play between blade and stock.practical-sailor.com · cruisersforum.com
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Hollow skeg leak at gudgeon hull
The skeg carrying the lower rudder gudgeon is hollow and can leak in a way that is hard to trace; one owner filled it with epoxy after it nearly sank the boat.cruisersforum.com
-
Masthead tang retrofit and bare-aluminum mast corrosion rigging
Early masts had a factory retrofit of the masthead shroud tangs that is hard to verify, and original spars were unfinished aluminum; inspect the masthead for fatigue and corrosion.practical-sailor.com
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Light rigging and attachment points rigging
A former owner felt the standing rigging and its attachment points were undersized; Columbia used aluminum chainplates on boats of this line.cruisersforum.com
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Leaking fixed cabin windows deck
Early boats commonly leak at the recessed fixed windows; a lasting fix means removing and rebedding them rather than recaulking.practical-sailor.com
2 more
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Poor deck and cockpit drainage deck
The aluminum toerail traps water on deck and the cockpit seats can pool water on the leeward side.practical-sailor.com
-
Inconsistent build and gelcoat hull
With three successive builders, detailing and gelcoat quality vary hull to hull; some crazing and blistering reported at average rates.practical-sailor.com
Engines & parts
Universal Atomic 4 parts: good
Factory standard engine — you entered “Atomic 4 (Universal) Atomic 2”
Tens of thousands were built (sources say from 40,000 to 50,000). Despite being out of production for decades, the engine is well supported: Moyer Marine sells parts, rebuilt engines, fuel pump rebuilds and exhaust parts, and hosts an owners' forum; Old Lyme Marina and others also supply parts, and electronic ignition upgrades are available.
Parts sources: Moyer Marine
Common problems (3)
-
Raw-water cooling scale and corrosion cooling
Most Atomic 4s are raw-water cooled, so the block scales up and corrodes, especially in salt water; cranking without starting can also flood the engine with seawater through the exhaust.goodoldboat.com · moyermarineforum.com · keelindex.com
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Gasoline vapor fire/explosion risk fuel
Gasoline vapor is heavier than air and settles in the bilge, so ventilation, blower use and shutting the fuel valve (a stuck carburetor float can overflow) matter.goodoldboat.com
-
Ignition and fuel system faults electrical
Points, condenser, cap and wires, plus gummed carburetors and contaminated fuel, are the most common reasons an Atomic 4 won't run well.keelindex.com · goodoldboat.com
Maker’s service schedule (9)
| Engine oil & filter change | 50 hrs | “3. FIFTY HOUR CHECK a. Using sump pump, remove all oil from crankcase. Refill with a good grade oil as specified in Tabl” — manufacturer, westerbeke.com |
| Fuel filters & water separator | 50 hrs | “e. Clean fuel pump strainer.” — manufacturer, westerbeke.com |
| Heat exchanger & oil cooler cleaning | 50 hrs | “b. Inspect oil cooler and remove any accumulation of grit or dirt.” — manufacturer, westerbeke.com |
| Clean flame arrestor | 100 hrs | “b. Inspect flame arrestor to be sure air passages are clean and free from oil. If dirty remove and wash with kerosene.” — manufacturer, westerbeke.com |
| Check clutch (reverse gear) adjustment | 100 hrs | “4. ONE HUNDRED HOUR CHECK ... c. Check adjustment of clutch.” — manufacturer, westerbeke.com |
| Valve clearance check / adjust | 150 hrs or 1 yr | “5. ONE HUNDRED FIFTY HOUR CHECK a. Check valve tappet adjustment.” — manufacturer, westerbeke.com |
| Spark plugs inspect / replace | 150 hrs | “b. Remove, clean, and reset spark plugs.” — manufacturer, westerbeke.com |
| Transmission fluid change Universal V-drive unit (V-drive installations only; the standard reverse gear shares engine oil) | 500 hrs | “(2) After the first 50 hours of operation, drain unit and refill ... (3) Change lubricant every 500 hours of operation.” — manufacturer, westerbeke.com |
| Complete overhaul | 3,000 hrs | “At the end of three thousand hours of operation the engine should be completely overhauled.” — manufacturer, westerbeke.com |
Service part numbers (8)
| Oil filter optional add-on oil filter (not standard equipment) |
Universal 276236 | “2 Element or Cartridge 1 276236 (Oil Group, Oil Filter, Not Standard Equipment)” — manufacturer, westerbeke.com |
| Raw-water impeller Oberdorfer N202M-03 / N202M-07 replacement raw-water pump (Universal pump 295625) |
Oberdorfer 6593 | “5 Impeller 6593 6593 6593 6593 6593 1 (N202M, N202M-03, N202M-07 parts list)” — manufacturer, pumpsandpartsonline.com · “Impeller : Catalog # 6593, Impeller” — dealer, pumpagents.com |
| Raw-water pump kit Oberdorfer N202M-03 / N202M-07 raw-water pump |
Oberdorfer 10725 | “REPAIR KIT N202M N202M-03 N202M-07 10725” — manufacturer, pumpsandpartsonline.com · “Catalog # 10725, Repair Kit, includes O-Ring, Snap Ring, Impeller, 2 x Lip Seal” — dealer, pumpagents.com |
| Drive belt alternator belt (Prestolite and Motorola alternators) |
Universal 239387 | “19 Belt 1 239387 (12 Volt - Motorola 51 Amp Alternator)” — manufacturer, westerbeke.com |
| Spark plug | Universal 273276 × 4 | “8 Spark plugs, champion 4 273276” — manufacturer, westerbeke.com |
| Thermostat late style, from 1967 / serial #79476 (Holley 145 F, on cylinder head) |
Universal 200206 | “12 Thermostat Kit 1 200206 consists of 262278 and 261601” — manufacturer, westerbeke.com |
| Thermostat Dole type, before serial #79476 (on manifold) |
Universal 200207 | “13 Kit, Thermostat (consists of 275965 & 261144) 1 200207” — manufacturer, westerbeke.com |
| Zinc / anode fresh-water-cooled engines only (Universal heat-exchanger kit) |
Universal 299760 | “23 zinc pencil 1 299760 (Cooling, Fresh Water System, after serial #79476)” — manufacturer, westerbeke.com |
From the engine maker’s parts lists, or two independent parts dealers. Numbers change with serial number and get superseded — check yours before ordering.
Sources disagree on first year, last year, number built — left blank rather than guessed.
Yanmar 3GM / 3GM30F parts: good
Factory optional engine — you entered “Yanmar 3GMD”
Very popular (used 3GM30Fs sell for $3,000+) and supported by a strong parts network. Cylinder head overhauls (valve seals, lapping, injector service) are a common, parts-supported repair.
Parts sources: Mack Boring & Parts (Yanmar distributor), HDI Marine (stainless exhaust elbows), Parts4Engines
Common problems (2)
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Overheating at cruise rpm cooling
The 3GM30F has a known overheating tendency linked to its heat exchanger; owners also trace it to coked elbows, worn impellers, scaled heat exchangers or air in the raw water circuit. Some heat exchangers were replaced under warranty.forums.sailboatowners.com
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Mixing elbow corrosion exhaust
OEM elbows corrode internally and should be inspected or replaced with stainless versions before they let water into the engine.practical-sailor.com · facebook.com
Maker’s service schedule (2)
| Fuel filters & water separator | 250 hrs | “The normal replacement interval for the element is 250 hours ... Filter cleaning First time 50 hours Filter element repl” — manufacturer, c320.org |
| Air filter / intake silencer | 250 hrs | “Washing period Every 250 hours” — manufacturer, c320.org |
Service part numbers (10)
| Oil filter | Yanmar 119305-35170 Replaces 119305-35151, 119660-35150 |
“3GM30F Basic Service Kit ... 119305-35170 1 FILTER ASSY, D68XL65” — dealer, oldportmarine.com · “Maintenance kit Yanmar 2GMF, 2GM20F, 3GMF, 3GM30F ... Yanmar 119305-35170 Oil Filter” — dealer, marinedustrie.com |
| Fuel filter | Yanmar 104500-55710 | “Fuel Filter Element 1 104500-55710 / Fuel Filter O-Ring 1 24341-000440” — dealer, ellebogen.com · “3GM30F Basic Service Kit ... 104500-55710 1 ELEMENT, FUEL FILTER” — dealer, oldportmarine.com |
| Raw-water impeller Japan-built 3GM / 3GM30(F) (serial not starting with E) |
Yanmar 124223-42092 | “Impeller 1 124223-42092 / Impeller Gasket 1 124223-42110” — dealer, ellebogen.com · “3GM30F Basic Service Kit ... 124223-42092 1 IMPELLER, PUMP” — dealer, oldportmarine.com |
| Raw-water impeller European-built GM-YEU (serial starting with E) |
Yanmar 128990-42570 Replaces 128990-42200 |
“(Supersedes part number: 128990-42200) ... 3GM30-YEU, 3GM30C-YEU 3GM30F-YEU, 3GM30FC-YEU” — dealer, palmerpower.com · “It fits Yanmar 2GM20F, 2YM15, 3GM30F, 3GM30FC, 3TN30F, 3YM20, 3YM30, 3YM30AE engines. Cross Reference: 128990-42200” — dealer, deltadieselparts.com |
| Drive belt | Yanmar 25132-003700 | “Alternator Belt 1 25132-003700” — dealer, ellebogen.com · “3GM30F Basic Service Kit ... 25132-003700 1 V-BELT, A37” — dealer, oldportmarine.com |
| Drive belt | Yanmar 104511-78780 | “S/W Pump Belt 1 104511-78780” — dealer, ellebogen.com · “3GM30F Basic Service Kit ... 104511-78780 1 V-BELT, M/19” — dealer, oldportmarine.com |
| Air filter | Yanmar 128270-12540 | “Air Filter Element 1 128270-12540” — dealer, ellebogen.com · “3GM30F Basic Service Kit ... 128270-12540 1 ELEMENT, AIR CLEANER” — dealer, oldportmarine.com |
| Zinc / anode raw-water 3GM / 3GM30; also sold for the F (heat-exchanger) versions |
Yanmar 27210-200300 | “27210-200300 Yanmar Engine Zinc Anode For 2GM(D), 3GM(D), 2GM20, 3GM30” — dealer, zincsforboats.com · “It fits Yanmar 2GM, 2GM20F, 2GM15, 2GM20, 3GM30F, 3GMF, 3HMF, 3GM30H engines.” — dealer, deltadieselparts.com |
| Thermostat 3GM30F / 3GMF (fresh-water cooled) |
Yanmar 121750-49800 | “Thermostat 1 121750-49800 / Thermostat Gasket 1 129350-49541” — dealer, ellebogen.com · “Thermostat for Yanmar 2GMF, 3GMF, 3HMF, 2GM20F, 3GM30F, 3HM35F / REC121750-49800” — dealer, marineparts.eu |
| Thermostat 3GM / 3GM30 (raw-water cooled) |
Yanmar 105582-49200 | “Replaces Yanmar Marine 105582-49200 ... 1GM, 2GM, 3GM, 1GM10, 2GM20, 3GM30” — dealer, repowermarine.com · “1GM10, 2GM20 & 3GM30 Thermostat to fit raw water cooled engine versions ... equivalent to 105582-49200” — dealer, parts4engines.com |
From the engine maker’s parts lists, or two independent parts dealers. Numbers change with serial number and get superseded — check yours before ordering.
Volvo Penta 2001 / 2002 / 2003 / 2003T parts: limited
Factory optional engine — you entered “Volvo Penta 2002”
Parts are available through Volvo Penta but owners consider them unique and overpriced (e.g., 2003T turbo, aluminum heat exchanger and oil cooler each quoted in the $1,700–3,000 range). Workarounds include converting the 2003T cooling system to aftermarket cupronickel heat exchanger and oil cooler, using the common aftermarket turbo, and cross-referencing some Perkins parts. Parts4Engines stocks aftermarket service parts.
Parts sources: Parts4Engines, Power Products Systems (genuine Volvo Penta parts)
Common problems (3)
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Aluminum oil cooler and heat exchanger failures (2003T) cooling
The aluminum oil cooler and heat exchanger are the usual first failures, and genuine replacements are very expensive, so some owners convert to aftermarket coolers or repower.cruisersforum.com · facebook.com
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Carboned exhaust elbow and turbo from low-load running exhaust
Long periods at low rpm carbon up the elbow and the 2003T turbo; the turbo can also be wrecked if it ingests the intake silencer foam.cruisersforum.com
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Hard starting on older raw-water-cooled 2002s engine
Original raw-water-cooled 2002s are described as reliable but difficult to start.forums.ybw.com
Maker’s service schedule (10)
| Engine oil & filter change | 100 hrs or 1 yr | “100 HOURS (OR SEASONAL) ENGINE SERVICE” — manufacturer, sbo.sailboatowners.com |
| Oil filter change (every second oil change) | 200 hrs or 2 yrs | “The oil filter should be changed after the first 20 hours of running, and thereafter at every second change of engine oi” — manufacturer, sbo.sailboatowners.com |
| Air filter / intake silencer 2001, 2002, 2003 (clean) | 1 yr | “The intake silencer should be cleaned each season.” — manufacturer, sbo.sailboatowners.com |
| Air filter / intake silencer 2003T (replace) | 2 yrs | “On 2003T the intake silencer should be replaced once every two years.” — manufacturer, sbo.sailboatowners.com |
| Transmission fluid change | 400 hrs or 1 yr | “The oil in the drive should be changed after every 400 hours or at least once a season.” — manufacturer, sbo.sailboatowners.com |
| Raw-water pump impeller | 100 hrs or 1 yr | “CHECK/CHANGE THE IMPELLER” — manufacturer, sbo.sailboatowners.com |
| Valve clearance check / adjust | 100 hrs or 1 yr | “CHECK VALVE CLEARANCE Checking and adjusting the valve clearance should only be carried out by an authorized Volvo Penta” — manufacturer, sbo.sailboatowners.com |
| Dismantle and clean the vacuum (siphon-break) valve | 1 yr | “To make sure that the vacuum valve functions properly it should be dismantled at least once every season.” — manufacturer, sbo.sailboatowners.com |
| Replace S-drive rubber seal (dealer) S-drive (saildrive) installations | 7 yrs | “The seal should be changed every seven years.” — manufacturer, sbo.sailboatowners.com |
| Replace rubber stuffing box (shaft seal) Shaft installations with a rubber stuffing box | 500 hrs or 5 yrs | “The rubber stuffing box must be replaced after 500 hours or 5 years.” — manufacturer, sbo.sailboatowners.com |
Service part numbers (7)
| Oil filter | Volvo Penta 22057107 Replaces 834337 |
“p.90 "2001, 2002, 2003, 2003T" block: Oil filter — 22057107” — manufacturer, volvopenta.com · “Volvo Penta genuine oil filter to replace old model 834337. Fits … 2001, 2002, 2003, 2003T” — dealer, foxschandlery.com |
| Fuel filter | Volvo Penta 21492771 Replaces 829913, 3825133 |
“p.90 "2001, 2002, 2003, 2003T" block: Fuel filter — 21492771” — manufacturer, volvopenta.com · “Brandstoffilter Volvo Penta 21492771 (vervangt 829913) … Volvo Penta 2001 … 2003T” — dealer, bakker-ijlst.nl |
| Raw-water impeller 2001, 2002, 2003 (not 2003T) |
Volvo Penta 21951342 Replaces 3586496, 875583 Also: Johnson 09-808B |
“p.90 "2001, 2002, 2003, 2003T" block: Impeller kit (2001, 2002, 2003) — 21951342” — manufacturer, volvopenta.com · “Replaces: Johnson Impeller 09-808B / Jabsco Impeller 22405-0001 … 875583-7, 21951342. Used on Volvo Penta 2001, 2002, 20” — dealer, marineenergy.com.au |
| Raw-water impeller 2003T |
Volvo Penta 21951346 Replaces 3862281, 3855546, 3856039 |
“p.90 "2001, 2002, 2003, 2003T" block: Impeller kit (2003T) — 21951346” — manufacturer, volvopenta.com · “Volvo Penta: 21951346, 3862281, 3855546, 3856039 / 2003T, MD22A, TMD22A, MD22B, TMD22B, D2-55, D2-75” — dealer, repowermarine.com |
| Thermostat raw-water (directly) cooled 2001 / 2002 / 2003 |
Volvo Penta 877355 Replaces 876691 |
“Volvo Penta 2001, 2002, 2003 thermostat kit – 877355 … Replaces: 876691” — dealer, ab-marineservice.com · “Thermostat Volvo Penta 2001 2002 2003 - 877355 … 2001 (Directly cooled) 2002 (Directly cooled)” — dealer, marinedustrie.com |
| Drive belt raw-water-cooled 2002 / 2003 / 2003T (alternator) |
Volvo Penta 966900 Replaces 958303 |
“Part Number: 966900 … Supersedes: 958303 … 2002 / 2002AG / 2002B / 2002BG … 2003T / 2003TB” — dealer, marisolmarine.com · “V Belt for Volvo Penta 2002, 2003 with Raw Water Cooling … Replace Volvo Penta: 966900, 958303” — dealer, repowermarine.com |
| Maintenance kit (oil filter, fuel filter, impeller with gaskets) | Volvo Penta 877194 | “p.89 Maintenance kits for diesel engines: 2001, 2002, 2003 — 877194” — manufacturer, volvopenta.com · “Servicekit Volvo Penta 2001 2002 2003 - 877194” — dealer, marinedustrie.com |
From the engine maker’s parts lists, or two independent parts dealers. Numbers change with serial number and get superseded — check yours before ordering.
Model sources (6)
sailboatdata.com · practical-sailor.com · cruisersforum.com · practical-sailor.com · en.wikipedia.org · columbia-yachts.com
Other Columbia models
- Columbia 10.7 1976–1979
- Columbia 26 MkII 1969–1977
Researched from public sources. Spotted an error? The sources are listed above — tell us what they got wrong.