BLACK PEARL - COLUMBIA FOR SALE

Built in 1969, the Columbia 28 is a timeless masthead sloop penned by the esteemed William Crealock. Celebrated for its pioneering wide-body hull, this sailing yacht was among the earliest in its segment to deliver nearly six feet of headroom, enticing coastal cruisers with generous interior volume and reassuring, balanced performance in all conditions.

Specifications

Measuring 27.58 ft (8.41 m) in length overall with a waterline length of 21.67 ft (6.61 m), a beam of 8.50 ft (2.59 m), and a draft ranging from 4.33 ft (1.32 m) to 4.83 ft, the C-28 carries a displacement between 6,500 and 6,800 lbs and balances it with 2,800 to 3,000 lbs of lead ballast. Built on a solid fiberglass laminate and setting 343 sq ft of sail, it blends reassuring substance with an eager, efficient sail plan.

Introduced in 1967 by Columbia Yachts, the C-28 ushered in a modern underbody, pairing a fin keel with a spade rudder to deliver a tighter turning radius and a notably balanced helm—perfect for threading narrow channels and short-tacking with confidence. Its signature bubble deck and bullet-shaped windows create an unmistakable profile, while below, a thoughtfully arranged interior provides a convertible dinette, a starboard galley, and a private forward V-berth separated by a head and hanging locker for genuine cruising comfort.

Underway, classic-boat enthusiasts prize its stiff, stable temperament, praising its poise in heavy weather and its easy assurance in 15-knot winds. Most examples from this era were equipped with the reliable 30-hp Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine, with a Volvo Penta diesel offered as an option. As with many fiberglass icons of the 1960s, diligent ownership focuses on keel bolt condition, window seals, and deck-core integrity to preserve performance and value.

Description

For sale: a 1969 Columbia 28, a William Crealock–designed coastal classic lying in San Diego, California and offered at $11,900. Step aboard a piece of maritime history; this quintessential wide‑body masthead sloop is celebrated for its surprising interior volume and robust, hand‑laid fiberglass construction. With mid‑century lines and a stable, forgiving ride, it delivers vintage charm paired with practical performance, equally suited to effortless weekend escapes or confident coastal voyaging.

Built in an era of purposeful over‑engineering, the solid fiberglass hull, fin keel, and spade rudder combine to provide a balanced helm and a notably tighter turning radius than full‑keel contemporaries. Stiff and sure‑footed, she stands up well to a blow, inspiring confidence in both novice sailors and seasoned salts.

True to its reputation as a pioneer in space for its class, the Columbia 28 offers nearly six feet of standing headroom and a thoughtfully arranged interior. A spacious V‑berth forward is followed by a private head and hanging locker, while the main salon features a convertible dinette and a functional galley, creating comfortable sleeping arrangements for up to five. Iconic bullet portlights and a generous beam bathe the cabin in natural light, lending an airy ambience that feels significantly larger than her twenty‑eight feet.

This is a rare opportunity to own a Crealock classic that has been kept in original condition. For the classic‑boat enthusiast seeking a vessel with soul, character, and pedigree, this Columbia 28 is ready for her next chapter.