Columbia 45 Ketch Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Columbia 45 Ketch entered production in 1971. At this time, Columbia Yachts, under the ownership of the Whittaker Corporation since 1967, was at its peak, known for its commitment to durable fiberglass construction and collaboration with esteemed naval architects to deliver comfortable, bluewater-capable yachts. The 45 Ketch shares its foundational hull design with the Columbia 43 and the Columbia 45 sloop, showcasing a versatile platform intended to appeal to a broad range of sailors.

William Tripp Jr.'s design philosophy for the Columbia 45 aimed for seaworthiness and comfort, producing a vessel capable of standing up to challenging conditions while offering ample interior volume. During its production run, which continued into the mid-1970s, the Columbia 45 was offered with significant variations to cater to different preferences. Buyers could choose between a ketch or a sloop rig, and crucially, between a deep draft (over 6 feet) or a shoal draft keel of 5.25 feet. Some versions were also marketed as motor sailers, emphasizing their auxiliary power capabilities and comfortable accommodations. The original production of the Columbia 45 series largely concluded by 1976, with the molds eventually acquired by Hughes Boat Works in Canada in 1979 after Columbia Yachts ceased initial operations.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Columbia 45 Ketch, with a reported sail area to displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 14.6, is characteristic of a heavier cruising yacht, suggesting a vessel that prioritizes stability and comfort over blistering speed, particularly in lighter winds. Her displacement-to-length (D/L) ratio of around 272 further categorizes her as a substantial, traditional cruiser, emphasizing her robust build and ability to handle offshore conditions.

With a ballast-to-displacement ratio of 0.412, the Columbia 45 Ketch demonstrates excellent stiffness, allowing her to stand up to a significant amount of wind without excessive heeling. Owners frequently describe her as a "superb sailer" in the deep draft configuration, and "surprisingly good" sailors overall, especially considering their weight. The ketch rig contributes to easier sail handling, as it divides the total sail area into smaller, more manageable sails, making reefing and balancing the sail plan simpler for cruising crews. While not a light-air performer, her design ensures a comfortable motion in a seaway, making her well-suited for extended passages and blue water sailing.

Accommodations and Layout

The Columbia 45 Ketch is widely regarded as a "wonderful live-aboard boat," a testament to its spacious interior and thoughtful layout. While specific headroom information is not consistently available, the general consensus is that she offers ample volume for comfortable living aboard. The typical interior arrangement includes a V-berth forward, often featuring a center insert. The main salon is generous, providing comfortable seating and dining areas, while the galley configurations varied slightly across different production years. The interior typically features a well-appointed head compartment. Throughout the boat, emphasis was placed on creating functional and comfortable spaces, reflecting the design's focus on extended cruising and live-aboard suitability.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners consistently praise the Columbia 45 Ketch for its robust construction and impressive blue water capabilities. Many consider her "tough as they come" and suitable for sailing anywhere in the world, often highlighting her solid feel in challenging conditions. While acknowledged as being "a little slow" compared to more performance-oriented designs, this characteristic is often seen as a trade-off for her exceptional stability, comfort, and safety offshore. The ketch rig is frequently cited for its ease of handling, making the boat manageable for a small crew, though some owners have opted to convert to a sloop rig for perceived better windward performance. The enduring appeal of the Columbia 45 Ketch lies in its reputation as a reliable, comfortable, and highly capable cruising platform, ideal for those seeking a live-aboard vessel or a serious offshore passage maker.