Need help, Columbia 34 vs Catalina 25

[BreakAwayFL]

I know the comparison is ludicrous, but here's the situation.

I have $500 down on a so-so Catalina 25, going to pick her up this weekend.

I have an opportunity to buy a Columbia 34 in very good shape - for the same price. All I lose is the Cat25 deposit.

I walk from the Catalina, I lose $500. The Columbia doesn't have an engine, but I have two outboards in my garage.

I know they are probably worlds apart, but the Columbia is drawing me near. She has a shallower draft with the board up, which helps with the sailing I want to do most of the time, and she's much more roomy, which helps with the occasional Bahamas crossings, and maybe further.

Any red flags on the Columbia 34?

[christyleigh]

Originally Posted by BreakAwayFL

I walk from the Catalina, I lose $500. The Columbia doesn't have an engine, but I have two outboards in my garage.

I know they are probably worlds apart, but the Columbia is drawing me near. She has a shallower draft with the board up, which helps with the sailing I want to do most of the time, and she's much more roomy, which helps with the occasional Bahamas crossings, and maybe further.

Any red flags on the Columbia 34?

I don't know what outboards you have or what the Columbia stern looks like but I seriously doubt that you could properly power the 34 - Especially if you are talking about Bahamas crossings. Yes, it's a Sailboat ...... for Sailing.... yada... yada ...... yada ...... But there are many reasons for a proper motor when you are talking about going offshore for an extended period of time.

[BreakAwayFL]

I have a 45 and a 55, surely large enough until I can get a proper inboard installed? That would certainly be before my first crossing. I have high hopes that it would only be used for docking of course. Any other thoughts about the Columbia?

[chuck53]

Even if you could make the outboard fit, which I doubt, it's a bad idea all around.
That Columbia was made to be powered with an inboard.
Don't even think about it.

[BreakAwayFL]

OK... any thoughts relating to the Columbia 34 besides the engine?

[chuck53]

Originally Posted by BreakAwayFL

I have a 45 and a 55, surely large enough until I can get a proper inboard installed? That would certainly be before my first crossing. I have high hopes that it would only be used for docking of course. Any other thoughts about the Columbia?

I would say that either is too big. if that boat had been designed to use an outboard, which it's not, probably a 25 would be more in line.
Are either engines long shaft which is what is needed on a sailboat?
Again, not a good idea to try to hang an outboard on this boat. if you want to buy it, see how much you can sell thoses outboards for and you might get enough to find a decent, used inboard engine.

[BreakAwayFL]

I really appreciate all the input, and it is definitely taken to heart, but what about the boat that the motor will go in? Does anyone have anything good or bad to say about the Columbia?

[chuck53]

Originally Posted by BreakAwayFL

OK... any thoughts relating to the Columbia 34 besides the engine?

Columbia's have always had good reputations as being strong, well-built boats.
Before you do anything, call your Geico agent about coverage. This may be the case that they will require a survey, which I highly recommend.

[carl762]

OK... any thoughts relating to the Columbia 34 besides the engine?

I know somebody who lives on his. Awesome boat. Perkins diesel, enclosed cockpit, roller furling, nice head, lots of room.

[redhead78]

What happened to the motor, cond of sails ???Red