Columbia 35

[migrosmousse]

Hi everyone!
Hopefully I'll soon be buying my first boat. My first sailboat I should say.

I've had myself pretty psyched on the Westsail32. I've sailed one and done lots of research on them and feel pretty aware of its strengths and weaknesses, and I feel good about the choice.

However, I've recently got myself looking into some Columbias, particularly the 35 from the late 70s. I'm sure it sails better (or at least faster) than the Westsail and it sells for considerably less, what gives? Is is much less of ocean-worthy boat? I can see that it displaces a lot less (13,900 - versus the W32 20,000). I realize that the latter is a real brickhouse, and I guess I shouldn't expect, or want, the Columbia, to equal that heaviness, but...

I really like the look of the COlumbia 35, looks like a lot of fun to sail, just curious about its seaworthiness. Plans are to take it down the west coast, around Mexico, Central America, and hopefully out to Hawaii, and from there... don't know yet, but if we want to continue westward, want to know our boat is up to the task!

Any thoughts on the Columbia will be greatly welcomed.

Thanks in advance,
Michael

[raybrett]

Westsails hobbyhorse pretty badley in any seaway due to their long overhangs and anchor weight so far forward. Places like the Delaware Bay with their steep chop really accentuate the discomfort. Sure are pretty though.

[zeehag]

most hobby horsing can be trimmed out by making load rearrangements.