1970 Columbia 36

Step aboard this Columbia 36 and you immediately feel that solid, old-school glass underfoot—thick hull, reassuring motion, and a cockpit that actually feels safe at sea, not just at the dock. The long fin keel and skeg-hung rudder give her that steady, tracking feel offshore, yet she’ll still answer the helm willingly when you need to dodge crab pots or thread a tight channel. Up forward, the bow flare and generous freeboard keep her drier than many newer designs, and the side decks are wide enough to move around without feeling like you’re on a balance beam. Down below, big opening ports and hatches keep the cabin bright and ventilated, making longer stays aboard surprisingly comfortable.

For these local waters, the Columbia 36 hits a sweet spot between passagemaker and weekender. The moderate draft lets you explore shallower anchorages without giving up the deep, dependable grip you want when it pipes up outside the harbor. Her heft and seakindly hull shape smooth out the short, confused chop that’s so common here, while the protected cockpit and sturdy rig inspire confidence when the breeze builds unexpectedly. At the same time, she’s not so large that marina slips, moorings, or fuel docks become a headache. If you’re planning coastal runs, island hops, and the occasional longer passage, this design fits the area’s real-world conditions beautifully.