How would a 30' Columbia Defender fare sailing from Seattle to Hawaii?

Question

She's a 1964, restored, fiberglass, Columbia Defender with an inboard, gasoline Atomic 4 engine. She's done wonderfully in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound but we have to move to Hawaii and we want to sail her there.

Answer 1

Would transporting the boat be cheaper than sailing her?  

If you just want the adventure, you're braver than I.  

Is it worth the wear and tear on her that might have you spending your time in Hawaii making repairs in the marina instead of enjoying coastal cruising?  Just a thought.

Answer 2

Do you have a (30' Columbia) or a (29' Columbia defender)?assuming since the 30 footer didn't come out until the 70s. you have a 29' boat.  The 29 foot defender has full keel where the 30 foot has a fin keel.

both are considered coastal boats, therefore not typically sailed very far offshore, doesn't mean that you cant do it, but you may not be as safe and/or comfortable and/or may need a little more experience than a true blue water design.  

Since you're asking this question, I would be more concerned about your experience level on sailing than on the boat make as plans for as many what-ifs as possible.   if you're unsure of them, either hire a delivery captain to go with you, or since Seattle and Honolulu are major seaports transport it on deck of a ship.

another question you might want to think about is where you're going to put it when you get to Hawaii.  Limited marina space there, although military members have a few more choices.

btw if the question was would I make the trip in that boat,   I would answer-- Yesaking it.  Try to make a plan for everything, cover as many

Answer 3

She can do it, can you?  The Straits and sound are pretty well protected, once you round Cape Flattery and head south, things change.

You will have to endure a quite a bit of nasty seas until in the area of San Francisco latitude.  Best shot is continue south quite a ways before making the westward move (warmer water, and a bit calmer).

I believe someone asked what you were going to do with her once in Hawaii.  You may be able to find a boat there that has been abandoned or put up for sale at a bargain price.  I understand that many smaller boats were sailed to Hawaii only to see their owners head back to the mainland (on separate planes).

Answer 4

That boat can go anywhere. ..even without an engine! Make sure the rig is sound and the bildge is solid and dry(cracks) and service all the seacocks(grease) then go for it. Practice safety and caution and enjoy. A MAJOR concern for that trip is the condition of the sails...have a sailmaker go over the inventory and do any repairs if you are not familiar with sail condition.

Good luck.

Answer 5

typically a 30' boat is considered a coastal cruiser, however if you keep track of the weather patterns, you can take it anywhere. preparation is everything. how long has it been since you cleaned the fuel tank? a 15 year old sailed a 30' from NY to France (solo) . two inexperienced brothers sailed a 32' from CA to Austrailia. if you don't get sick easily from bouncing in a 2 day storm and like adventure, why not. the Columbia hull is thick/strong. watch for floating containers in freighter lanes.