1970 Columbia 43 For Sale

This is a beautiful 1970 Columbia 43.

The Columbia 43 ranks among several early fiberglass classics spawned from the drawing board of the late naval architect William H. Tripp, Jr.

While not as popular as his Columbia 50, this light-displacement sloop quickly became paradoxically known for its speed on the race course and its interior cruising comforts. This particular model of the Columbia 43 features a centerboard keel, with a minimum shoall draft of just 4' 11", and a max draft of 10 '3".

This boat is docked in the fresh water of Lake Michigan in Ludington for the summer and stored in the winter in Pentwater.

The engine was newly installed in 2006 and has had very low hours put on her since. The 37.5 hp diesel engine has been professionally maintained and we're told runs like a dream.

There are two 6' stainless water cooled custom mufflers on the exhaust which makes her nice and quite when underway.

The autopilot appears to work perfectly and will get you to your destination while relaxing.

The newer 8' 10" Newport dinghy with two seats and a Mercury 2.2 hp motor is also included to get you to shore with easy.

The nice V berth sleeps 2 or 3 depending on the configuration and there is lots of closets and storage and a privacy door.

The bathroom has a newer toilet that works perfectly and the holding tank is more than adequate. Easy to use and no extra smell.

The diesel tank is fairly new made of 1/8"aluminum and holds 41 gallons of diesel. That will get you a long way before you need to refuel. The installed overflow pipe to tell when it's full.

The refrigerator and a freezer/icebox are there for when you're at sea, not hooked to electricity.

The nice spacious salon has a charcoal heater and two large seating areas that change to 4 bunks at night if you so wish.

The nice navigation station with LOTS of storage space and a wind-up chronometer makes it nice when plotting the route.

The 2 batteries start the diesel right away and are fresh.

The propane stove and oven. (2 propane tanks are also supplied) let me make many meals while at sea.

There is plenty of seating room in the cockpit. Wheel steering and a very good compass. (Rebuilt about 2 years ago).

The two sump pumps, one for the engine compartment and another under the main cabin, are hardly ever used and work great. There are a few extra items like plenty of tools and two handheld walkie-talkies or easy onboard communication.

A new stainless steel BAR B Que propane grill.

There is a 1 year old dingy plus a bunch of very good sails. A storm jib abd a good spinnaker and a spinnaker pole. Also, a good radio and the gas tank is very good as is the water tank.

Dinghy included: Newport w/Mercury 2.2HP engine

Current owner say's their 1970 COLUMBIA 43 is in Good Overall Condition and has normal wear & tear for a boat of her age

As provided and received from the owner;
She could stand a hull painting, but it is not necessary
All visible surfaces including countertops, and upholstery are in great condition.
Cabin floor is solid but could use some cosmetic TLC
The wood on the deck needs to be maintained but there are no damage areas
Knot/Speedometer in the cockpit does not work
FM radio does not work, VHF radio does
Fresh water pump in the galley sink does not work
Spreader lights do not work
Shower has not been used in 35 years that I know of, out of choice - I have no idea if it works
There have been leaks around the bottom of the mast and occasional leaks from somewhere that sometimes run into the storage area in the galley
Dodger windows need to be replaced - dodger canvas and dodger support poles are in fine shape
Some of the interior lights do not work
The chronometer pictured at the nav station is NOT included with purchase and will NOT stay with the boat
There are some soft spots in the deck
The engine gear shift was installed backwards - just something to get used to


***I have not visited this vessel in person. Pictures, details and information on condition have been provided by the owner. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any specific questions, to submit an offer, or schedule a showing***