columbia 45

[amphibious]

i am wanting some input from columbia 45 owner or sailors. i have lots of motor boat time but very little sail time. me and my girlfriend live in maui an are wanting to live aboard on hook. the plan is to live aboard and sail for 3 year in hawaii. then take off south for several years.
i love the aft cabin of the 45 and it looks like a great live aboard. the question is how is it in blue water cruising. also is their any other issues with the columbia 45. if their is a better boat in the 50k range i am all ears.

mahalo you for your input jack

[Moonfish]

I had friends who lived aboard a Columbia 45 for years. Loved it. They said it sailed real nice, too. But I don't think they ever thought of taking it blue water cruising. In fact, I've never heard of one being used beyond coastal cruising (that's not to say they haven't been across oceans).

A lot of liveaboard boat for the money. Hopefully someone else with experience can comment on the rest.

[camaraderie]

Hey...if it is the one in Ali Wai...the slip assumability is probably worth that much!! I don't have experience with THAT columbia...but they built decent boats and if it surveys well I think it will fit your plans and budget nicely.
Get both a regular survey and diesel mechanic survey and make sure your offer is contingent on a sea trial so you can get the sails up and test the motor under load and all the instrumentation. She may have been sitting for a long time and bad things can happen when boats sit. Spend the money to check her out fully and you will SAVE in money on the final agreement for the things that need to be fixed.

From a bluewater standpoint you will want to make strong lexan covers for all those doghouse windows. They are a liability.