1972 Columbia 50

What stands out on this Columbia 50 is how dry and secure she feels on deck. The long, clean side decks and substantial coamings give you confidence moving forward when the breeze comes up. Under sail, these hulls are known for their steady, unhurried motion and excellent tracking, so you can ease the helm and let her stretch her legs on a reach. Below, the warmth of the wood is paired with real-world storage: deep lockers, wide shelves, and sea berths that work underway. The generous tankage and practical systems layout reflect a boat built for extended time off the dock, not just weekend hops.

For local waters that mix light-air summer days with punchy shoulder-season systems, the Columbia 50’s combination of waterline length and heft is a real asset. She slips along efficiently when the wind is soft, yet has the ballast and hull form to stay comfortable when chop and current stack up. The protected cockpit and substantial freeboard help keep crew dry when afternoon gusts arrive. With her ample tankage, roomy interior, and dependable diesel, she’s well suited to longer passages between harbors as well as swinging at anchor in more secluded coves. This is a boat that makes year-round cruising in this region practical and enjoyable.