I own a 15.5 ft Livingston that I've put a bow windshield on and it is powered with an 85 horse Yami with a 9.9 Merc kicker. It will take a lot of water, but I wouldn't consider using it on the Columbia where winds could turn the damn thing into a kite in two seconds. In the salt, wind and waves are a different animal than on the Columbia. Find yourself another boat is my suggestion. For what it would cost time and material to modify your present boat.....and end up with something less than ideal by a considerable margin......you could buy a better craft. Just my 2