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Sailboat Specifications

Columbia 45 Ketch

Masthead Ketch · Fin With Rudder On Skeg

Designed by William Tripp Jr · Built by Columbia Yachts · First built 1971

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LOA 45.25 ft  ·  Beam 12.33 ft  ·  Displacement 25,000.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 779.00 ft²  ·  Masthead Ketch  ·  Fin With Rudder On Skeg
About the Columbia 45 Ketch Sailboat

Built during Columbia Yachts' productive era, this substantial ketch represents the yard's commitment to creating capable cruising vessels for serious sailors. The 45-foot length places her squarely in the realm of serious coastal and offshore cruising, offering the space and stability needed for extended passages while remaining manageable for a small crew. The ketch rig configuration provides excellent sail handling flexibility, particularly valuable when cruising shorthanded or in challenging conditions. This split rig allows for easy sail reduction and better balance in varying wind conditions, making her well-suited for long-distance cruising where versatility matters more than pure performance. The mizzen sail proves invaluable for heaving-to and maintaining control in heavy weather. Columbia's reputation for building solid, seaworthy vessels carries through to this model, which was designed with practical cruising in mind rather than racing performance. Her construction reflects the era's emphasis on durability and reliability over light weight, resulting in a boat capable of handling offshore conditions with confidence. The generous interior volume typical of this size range makes her suitable for extended liveaboard cruising or comfortable coastal exploration with family and friends.

Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 45.25 ft / 13.79 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 34.50 ft / 10.52 m
Beam 12.33 ft / 3.76 m
Max Draft 7.25 ft / 2.21 m
Displacement 25,000.00 lb / 11,340 kg
Ballast 10,300.00 lb / 4,672 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 779.00 ft² / 72.37 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Ketch
Construction FG
Designer William Tripp Jr
Builder Columbia Yachts
First Built 1971
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Columbia 45 Ketch's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Columbia 45 Ketch has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 14.64. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Columbia 45 Ketch's comfort ratio?

The Columbia 45 Ketch has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 36.09. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Columbia 45 Ketch safe for offshore sailing?

The Columbia 45 Ketch has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.69. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Columbia 45 Ketch?

The theoretical hull speed of the Columbia 45 Ketch is 7.87 knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Columbia 45 Ketch weigh?

The Columbia 45 Ketch has a displacement of 25,000.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 45.25 ft.

Who designed the Columbia 45 Ketch?

The Columbia 45 Ketch was designed by William Tripp Jr, first built in 1971.