I upgraded from a
Cal 27 to a
Columbia 10.7. The difference in size is huge. The
Columbia is definitely big enough to
live aboard and that is my goal once I get it back into shape.
I was very lucky to stumble across the Columbia. It is designed for cruising with a full modified fin
keel.
The
Cal 27 was a great boat, but simply not big enough for me (6'5") to
live aboard for more than a few days at a time. The Cal is much better sailing, especially in light winds, and easier to single-hand.
The boat was
for sale for a long time and badly neglected. Many of the portholes and
portlights leak. I've already bought
replacements for the portholes and will replace the
portlights at the same time. I purchased it for $10K but I'll need to put at least that much into it to get it ready for cruising.
We spent $3K to soda blast the bottom otherwise it would have taken all summer to sand the bottom and get off the many years of
paint. It was in very bad shape.
The
sails are original and, while usable, should also be replaced. I may try to buy used or find other economical alternatives. Either way, expect to spend $10K or more to get your cruiser ready to sail around the world.
If I was 10 years younger and my
kids were out of college I would definitely consider a cruising life. Instead, my long term goal is to sail to northern
Europe for a summer stay and then a wintering in the
Med. If I can manage that in the next 10 years, I will be a very happy man. Good luck.
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