1983 Aura Yachts Columbia 8.7

Step below and you’re met with the warm glow of real wood everywhere you look, from the parquet sole to the rich joinery that gives this 29-footer the feel of a much larger cruising yacht. The wide beam carries well forward, so the saloon and V-berth feel open, not cramped, and there’s plenty of clever locker space for longer trips. On deck, the Columbia 8.7’s moderate rig and sensible control layout make it easy to sail shorthanded, while the deep, secure cockpit invites lingering at anchor. It’s the kind of boat where you can trim sails precisely, then settle in with a good book and listen to the water slide past.

For local waters that can change from calm to choppy in a single afternoon, the Columbia 8.7’s combination of displacement and ballast delivers a reassuring, steady motion. The modest draft lets you slip into shallower harbors and anchorages, yet the underbody still provides solid tracking in a breeze. Its size is ideal for slips and moorings in busier marinas, while offering enough interior volume to be genuinely comfortable for weekends aboard. With an inboard diesel, practical sail plan, and systems already set up for extended time on the hook, this model fits the mix of casual day sailing, short cruises, and overnight getaways common in the area.