Columbia 45 what is the good bad and ugly?

[Danosimp3]

Hi all, I'm considering purchase of a 1972 Columbia 45. Asking price is $25,000. I'm interested in Columbia's build quality of the era and specific compliments or gripes about the 45'. Is she by design, a decent offshore boat or decent coastal. I'm interested in a comfy live aboard that could take the occasional Atlantic crossing.

[Stumble]

Build like bomb shelters. There was one in the islands that wound up crushing a house during a hurricane... The flood water left it sitting on the roof. After it was all said and done, the hull was fine.

But frankly they also sail like bomb shelters. Assuming a standard rig, I would be pretty agressive about increasing sail area where you can. A 155 if not a 170, big roach main, ect. The boats just don't have the horsepower for decent sailing performance with a standard sail setup.

[bobconnie]

As said above !they are hell for stout! very thick mostly hand lay up hulls ! make sure it has at least 80 hp, any less will hardly move them against a good running tide !! Very roomy and safe if maintained !

[colemj]

The good is that they are relatively inexpensive and are stoutly built.

The bad is that they have plywood core that is almost always rotted by now and they are a bit weak in the rigging.

The ugly is the design.

You may get a lot more information here: columbiasailingyachts : Columbia Sailing Yachts and here: Columbia Yacht Owners Association

Mark

[WebWench]

In my opinion if you buy a big old heavy boat cheap it will not be that once you add all of the upgrades and repairs you will have to put in it. If it needs a more powerful engine, rigging, bigger sails, tanks replaced, bottom work etc, etc., etc, you should be ready to pay and put in all of the time for all of that as well. Then see if it is still a bargain or not.
Some boats are worth putting in the time effort and money and will sell for much more if you put forth all of the effort. Others, because of their design or sailing ability may never be worth the efforts. Best thing you can do is educate yourself....like you are doing, before you make any down payments.