columbia 24 sailboat review

COLUMBIA 24 Detailed Review

If you are a boat enthusiast looking to get more information on specs, built, make, etc. of different boats, then here is a complete review of COLUMBIA 24. Built by Columbia Yachts and designed by Joseph McGlasson, the boat was first built in 1962. It has a hull type of Fin Keel and LOA is 7.42. Its sail area/displacement ratio 18.00. Its auxiliary power tank, manufactured by undefined, runs on undefined.

COLUMBIA 24 has retained its value as a result of superior building, a solid reputation, and a devoted owner base. Read on to find out more about COLUMBIA 24 and decide if it is a fit for your boating needs.

Boat Information

Boat specifications, sail boat calculation, contributions, who designed the columbia 24.

COLUMBIA 24 was designed by Joseph McGlasson.

Who builds COLUMBIA 24?

COLUMBIA 24 is built by Columbia Yachts.

When was COLUMBIA 24 first built?

COLUMBIA 24 was first built in 1962.

How long is COLUMBIA 24?

COLUMBIA 24 is 5.49 m in length.

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• Sailboat Guide

Columbia 24 Contender

Columbia 24 Contender is a 24 ′ 0 ″ / 7.3 m monohull sailboat designed by Joseph McGlasson and built by Columbia Yachts between 1963 and 1968.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

The COLUMBIA 24, COLUMBIA CONTENDER 24, and COLUMBIA CHALLENGER 24, all have hulls that are the same or similar, and derive from the earlier ISLANDER 24.

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• Sailboat Reviews

Columbia 30

The new sport sailer from columbia yachts is an avowed attempt to bridge the gap between performance cruisers and purpose-built racers..

The Columbia 30 is being constructed and marketed by Columbia Yachts under the direction of Vince Valdes, son of Dick Valdes, who formed the original Columbia Yacht company in 1958. At age 25, Valdes the elder, partnered with Maurice Thrienen to form Glass Laminates for the purpose of building fiberglass sailboats. To satisfy investors’ needs to keep cash rolling in, they also built fiberglass camper tops, shower stalls, and chemical toilets. The company’s name was eventually changed to Glass Marine Industries and, with the introduction of the Sparkman & Stephens designed Columbia 29, to Columbia Yachts.

A decade later, the company was the country’s largest fiberglass sailboat manufacturer, having produced over 30,000 sailboats. Early Columbia models included the Columbia 24 and Columbia 29, and designs produced by the likes of Bill Tripp, Alan Payne, Bill Crealock, and Charley Morgan. By 1964, the corporation was generating over $2.5 million in revenues per year and growing.

Valdes and his partners eventually sold the company. It endured several other owners before going out of business in the mid ’80s.

The new Columbia Yacht Corporation was incorporated in 2001 by the younger Valdes and partner Justin Wallin. The elder Valdes—an investor—has been involved since then, and typically spends an afternoon a week at the plant in Fullerton, CA.

Design “We took a careful look at the state of sailing today,” explained Vince Valdes, “and we found something missing. There are some wonderful boats on the market—boats that are quick…boats that are agile…boats that are comfortable…boats that are comparatively inexpensive—but to date no builder has delivered a vessel that successfully incorporates the best of these elements for the sailing enthusiast.”

That was the company’s charge to designer Tim Kiernan (of Morrelli-Melvin) when the duo decided to proceed into production.

“The Columbia 30 is a unique sportsailer,” said Valdes, “designed for club racing, buoy racing, and pleasure sailing. Unlike others, it will merge the three guiding principles of Columbia Yachts: high performance, high comfort and ease of use, and high value.”

Valdez told us that boats from his resurrected company will “bridge the gap between heavy cruisers and impractical racers. Columbia Yachts will be designed to deliver practicality and enjoyment while not sacrificing the thrill and natural beauty of sailing, and of sailboats.”

Based on performance ratios, this 30-footer will cover a lot of water in a short period of time (PS calculated her SA/D at 27.92, and D/L at 86.88), and should be faster than most production-built 30 footers.

At first glance, these numbers define a typical plumb-bow, reverse-stern sailboat with a fine entry, tall rig, and open cockpit. But Kiernan explained that “side by side with a vintage Columbia, one can see the family resemblance, a re-invented bubble-top (cabintop), and distinctive bullet window” constructed of polycarbonate. Below the waterline, her hull is designed to plane, and the rudder and keel are both high-aspect-ratio sections.

A closer look is more revealing.

The rudder, for example, is transom hung in a carbon-fiber cartridge that allows it to be easily removed at the end of day and stored in a bag, while the stainless-steel tiller remains in place. Underway, the skipper is expected to steer while seated on the side deck with feet braced on a stainless footrest that provides a better toehold than a fiberglass brace (but both can trip a crewmember).

The forward half of the cockpit, however, is constructed with proper seats and seatbacks that are ergonomically shaped to be comfortable and provide adequate back support.

Most builders of production boats distain locating the mainsail traveler anywhere but on the cabintop. In contrast, this boat’s mainsheet moves on a traveler secured to the cockpit sole well aft, producing better sheeting angles at the end of the boom without, we think, sacrificing comfort or ease of movement once owners get accustomed to its location.

And, a 9.1 hp Yanmar diesel sail drive is located in a water-tight box beneath the cockpit sole. This means engine inspection, service, and removal are easily accomplished outside the main cabin (even with the boat in the water). Beyond that, this arrangement reduces engine noise belowdecks to a whisper, and eliminates odors. Bill Crealock’s boats are the only others we’ve seen that incorporate this sensible idea. Another plus is that the lower unit is fitted with a Martec, two-blade folding propeller that reduces drag.

But can a 30-footer really be trailerable? Hull No. 1 was introduced at the Annapolis Boat show last fall, 56 hours after the builders departed Los Angeles with the boat in tow behind a Ford Expedition.

On Deck The Columbia 30’s deck layout was clearly designed with racing in mind, but almost anyone will find managing the sail controls a simple chore.

Of note is that the mast is a 42′-tall, carbon-fiber section constructed by Southern Spars with a double set of swept spreaders, eliminating the need for a backstay. Fortunately, the price of carbon fiber is on the decrease, so more builders are including carbon spars as standard equipment. However, Valdes says “the boom is aluminum because using carbon here doesn’t produce enough weight savings to offset the expense.” The boom is built by LeFiell of Santa Fe Springs, CA, and fitted with two internal reef lines. This mast-boom combination will safely carry the loads imposed by the sails, while reducing heeling and improving windward performance.

Minor details on the 30 display the builder’s intent to produce a high-quality product: for example, Lewmar genoa cars that are designed specifically for use only to port or starboard tilt outboard, avoiding contact with gelcoat and ports. The coaming is part of the deck structure, and it protects 60″-long benches with high backrests, but disappears aft where the helmsperson is intended to sit. Tapered stanchions are can’ted outboard, so they provide a safety net without impeding movement fore and aft. They are secured in a carbon-infused deck section and fitted with backing plates to withstand the weight of bodies falling on the lifelines.

Unlike lockers that compromise living quarters, the one on this boat is on centerline under the cockpit sole. It offers room for a six-man liferaft and has built-in chocks to which an anchor may be secured. The engine/locker structure is part of the hull structure, which eliminates flexing of the sole. Hull No. 1 was fitted with a bladder tank that has since been replaced by a fiberglass tank located to starboard of the engine. The tank, which can be easily removed for filling on a dock, is attached to a pump.

Two items we particularly like: The bilge pump is located in the cockpit to port; its handle disappears when not in use, and pops out when needed. It’s nice to have this safety feature close at hand, but out of the way. And dropping the rudder into a cassette is significantly easier than attempting to marry pintles to gudgeons with a six foot blade; and it can easily be lifted for ramp launching or clearing debris.

Belowdecks The tradeoffs for having a large, functional cockpit, are minimalist spaces belowdecks. On paper, the accommodations appear to be comparable to many 30-foot racer/cruisers: there’s a saloon with a dining table, stove and sink, V-berth, two quarterberths, and a head. In reality, headroom is only 5’ 6″ when the companionway cover is closed, and the table will seat just four adults whose knees may touch the keel trunk with their feet resting in small, carpeted footbeds.

The settees are 55″ long, with 21″-wide seats, so they’re adequate for most adults to sit upright. A nice touch is that the seats are can’ted downward so they provide excellent support under the legs, and the seatbacks are angled slightly outboard. When the casual sailor props his legs on the table, the combination resembles an easy chair, albeit with a different level of comfort.

A portable, gimbaled one-burner stove lives in a fiberglass pod to port, and a small sink sits in a twin one to starboard. Absent a chart table, the stove or sink covers are the best alternatives for a nav station, though instruments can be housed in the vertical wall of the pod to starboard.

The most generous spaces are in the V-berth (8′ long) and quarter berths (8′ long and 36″ wide), below which are storage areas. Surprisingly, we were able to sit athwartships in the quarterberths without banging our head. There’s no ventilation in these berths, though cockpit ports are an option. Nor are reading lights included in the standard package.

Stowage here is unusual. Principally, it consists of four watertight boxes located under both settees. If used for dry goods, these are adequate for weekend provisions; if used for cold storage and filled with ice, a pump attached to the sink is designed to evacuate water. The arrangement is comparable to that used by campers. There’s additional storage below the quarterberths, and in a hanging locker forward that is enclosed by mesh cloth, allowing wet gear to breathe.

The head is a Jabsco handpump model attached to a 9-gallon holding tank located under the V-berth, but it’s not enclosed except for a fabric curtain that can cordon off the V-berth area.

Two important appendages—a retractable bow pole and the keel—take much of the living areas. The keel is a thin, aerodynamic section constructed of multiple layers of carbon fiber, to which is attached a 1,400-lb. bulb. Hoisting the keel is a simple matter of cranking a handle attached to a lifting winch affixed to the bottom of the mast compression post to conceal its presence. A 42:1 gear ratio eases the chore, but extends to 10 minutes the time necessary to complete the task. Given the choice, we’d find a way to install an electric motor. However, it’s nice that the drive is a worm gear, so if the handle is released, the keel remains locked in place.

A second impediment to crew comfort is the retractable bow pole, which is housed on centerline and intrudes well into the V-berth when retracted. Valdes explained: “When you’re at anchor, it can be pulled out to free up the space,” which assumes it won’t get entangled with other boats. Because it sits below the deck hatch, there’s a risk of someone inadvertently stepping onto the retracted pole if the hatch is open. Valdes countered: “It’s strong enough that it will not break,” so the major risk is injury.

The bow pole’s housing in the collision bulkhead is constructed of E-glass, producing a watertight compartment; water coming aboard when the pole is retracted drops into this box, and drains overboard.

Our take on living spaces is this: just as many Catalina owners say, “This ain’t a Hinckley,” so will Columbia 30 owners say, “This ain’t a Catalina.” Spaces belowdecks offer the essential amenities necessary for weekend cruising, and certainly more than those found on similar sized speedsters like the Santa Cruz 27 or Hobie 33; but, they will not satisfy owners accustomed to full head and leg room in the saloon, nor those who require much horizontal space in the galley and nav station.

Performance We were less than five minutes into our test sail when it became clear that the Columbia 30 is a sailboat which will appeal to those for whom sailing performance is the most critical ingredient in a boat.

We sailed away from the dock in three knots of wind. Sailing in a harbor surrounded by buildings, we had only 4 to 6 knots of wind and flat water. In those conditions, this boat still moved at 4.5 to 5.5. knots, and accelerated immediately to 6 or 6.5 knots when puffs hit 7 knots. The boat coasted at 3 knots when the wind was entirely blocked by a building. And when a Mason 43 daysailer appeared on the water, the Columbia easily sailed over and past the larger vessel.

Her standard suit of sails includes a mainsail and 90% jib; it is unlikely that owners will need an overlapping headsail. Valdes said, “The square-top mainsail adds 60 sq. ft. of canvas and is the equivalent of adding six feet to the height of the mast.” This is an inexpensive method of adding horsepower, and is especially appropriate for boats destined to reside in light-air venues. With this configuration, the 30 heels quickly in the puffs, but having the mainsheet close at hand makes those situations easy to manage. “She is happiest sailing with 15 degrees of heel,” said Valdes.

We would have preferred to have more breeze to substantiate our impressions, but odds are that the mainsail will need to be reefed when winds exceeds 15 knots. So sailors in San Francisco and other heavy-air locales would likely start the day with a reef tucked in. “Shortening sail makes more sense than building a shorter mast,” said Valdes, explaining the company’s choice of sailplan.

Conclusion As most major production builders continue introducing slightly tweaked versions of carbon copies of carbon copies, it’s refreshing to see a sailboat like the Columbia 30 that is a departure from the norm. But this may be more of a mainstream boat than it appears at first glance. The boat sails well; is reasonably well-equipped; has a large cockpit that—with the addition of a folding table, would provide a comfortable lounging area—and the tiller does not impinge on crew seating areas. Plus, engine location and access are excellent.

Certainly this boat has its shortcomings for those who would care to sleep on board. There are only two means of ventilating the interior (forward hatch and companionway, and though the berths are large enough for adults, the interior seating is marginal, while the galley is barely adequate for those who like to prepare food on board. And the bowpole’s centerline location impinges on room in the V-berth. Also, a solid door to enclose the head would be nice as an option.

Elsewhere, the cabintop has no handrails (they’re optional), and PS feels that the toerail should be extended aft for offshore sailing. Other than that, we’re sure that most owners will want to add deck cleats.

However, those drawbacks don’t diminish the boat’s sailing prowess, and we applaud the sensible ideas of an accessible engine that won’t stink up the interior, along with a retractable keel and rudder.

At present, the company has no dealers, so it offers boats at $89,900, a 20% discount from the list price. Is that a bargain? In comparison, a new J/105 (albeit larger with a more accommodating interior) lists at $189,000, and the trailerable Seaward Eagle 32 with a retractable keel is priced at $107,500, but neither can compare to the Columbia 30 in performance.

Potential buyers who are intimidated or put off by the 30’s appearance (stainless-steel tiller and footrests, tall rig, etc.), will be missing a chance to own a vessel that’s more like a BMW than a Chevrolet, but still provides a moderately comfortable—though admittedly spartan—place in which to “camp.”

Contact – Columbia Yachts, 714/ 773-9212, www.columbiayachts.com .

Also With This Article “Columbia 30 in Context” “Construction”

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Columbia 23T as a first real sailboat?

• Thread starter Pete
• Start date Jul 16, 2008
• Forums for All Owners
• Trailer Sailors

Hello all, Yes I am a newbie, but I can at least sail...years on a windsurfer and a lot of time in a Lido 14, I need a real sailboat. I need some advice for a trailerable sailboat. Plenty of room in my yard to keep it. I am looking at Catalina 22's first of all, but most are well worn and not used much very thrashed. Stress cracks, dirty and wasted interiors...I can tell if the sails, mast, boom and rigging is good I am an excellent mechanic. But I found an excellent 1975-6 Columbia 23T in beautiful shape, hull and deck hardly a scratch no stress cracks at all, wonderful interior amazing shape and the boat is reasonable. Trailer is a little rusty but I can fix it. My questions...Is this a good sailer? good quality? fast and fun? any help would be appreciated. Clean it up, lube, check the ropes and rigging drop it in the water and go, no weeks of restoration... Thanks Pete San Diego, CA  

Timm R 25 Oday

Not the whole picture What kind of keel does it have? What is the draft? Does the trailer ned a tongue extension to launch? Is your tow vehicle up to it? Take the weight of the boat and add 30% for the trailer and all the other things you threw into the boat. Is there a system in place for stepping the mast? I don't the sailing characteristics of the Columbia. Most twenty foot keel boats make very good steeping stones.  

Catalina 22 For a first sailboat, I'd go with a more mainstream choice - You'll eventually want to step up and the C22 will be easier to sell. There have been over 15,000 Catalina 22's sold and there is a well developed owners support group for this boat while the Columbia 22 is less well known because its' production run was just a little over 1500. You'll find negatives on both boats, but in my mind if you are looking for a day sailer most of the complaints about either boat of this vintage are minor. A quick check will find many Catalina 22s for sale if you are willing to look a little harder and maybe drive a little.  

my first My first sailboat over 20ft was a 1969 Islander23, sailed it just over a year and found a great deal on a catalina 22 wing keel. Until I move to the coast and get a slip I will stick to the cat 22 we love it. Plenty of room inside and out, a proven design, handles great, solid boat. Alan  

Shoal Draft From what I have found online the 23T draws just more than 1 foot in a long fixed keel with fairly light ballast (the higher up ballast is the more you need). To be frank, that is not a very good set up if upwind performance is a concern and if you plan to sail on the ocean, even in protected waters, I think you may find it a fairly frustrating boat to own long-term if performance is a goal. However, any boat in good condition at a reasonable price is a good first boat in my opinion. If you plan to dry sail her (i.e. launch her every time you use her and raise / lower her mast) I suggest you consider going slightly smaller rather than larger or to at least really evaluate this issue. The number of times you sail per year will likely end up being strongly dependent on how much of a PITA (pain in the...) it is to get the mast up and down. I kept my boat on a mooring and bought a cheap dinghy I could launch easily from my pick-up. I also joined a local (but inexpensive) yacht club to gain access to their launch service. Another thought is that focusing the quality / condition of the interior of a boat this small tends to be less important as most are day sailed. So I guess what I am saying it...does the boat fit your needs? The best advice I can give you is to take of the rose colored glasses you might have on and to sit down with a sheet of clean white paper and a writing implement. Write down what you are looking for out of sailing and out of the boat you would need to do that and what features you prefer. I'll warn you that you often can't figure out the later until you look at enough different boats to get a handle on it. Then rank things by importance and see what you can live with or without. I did this to score various boats and it made me consider makes/models that I hadn't been thinking about. I eventually bought one of those boats. The big trade off I see for you is price vs. performance. I suggest you consider what your goals are for sailing. In my case, I bought a first boat that wasn't a performance boat based on price and sailed it for three years then upgraded. If I hadn't won that boat on ebay for $1000 I likely wouldn't have spent the last three years on the water or be sailing my new (to me) 30 footer from CT to Boston next weekend. I don't know if I could have lived with that decision. I pretty much waited long enough (nearly 20 years) to indulge my sailing bug as it was.  

Nice Boat Good quality for the era. Pointing ability may be questionable as pointed out, but a reasonable compromise for trailerable ability. The good news is that you can probably sell her for what you pay for her so the risk isn't great. And, for that age, condition is very important IMHO, RD  

Hmmm good advice Well thanks all.. I have looked at several Catalina 22's and am considering one that needs some clean up work for a great price, trailer is in good shape, hull is excellent, sails and boom/mast are good, I can fix anything else. But the Columbia 23T is in way better shape than anything else I have seen and at $1,500.00 on the trailer with a 6hp evinrude it is tempting. You all may disagree but I cannot believe how much sailboat you can buy for so little money. Power boats have gotten so expensive, I have friends that have 100-125K in their deck boats. Yes I know some of the large sailboats are very expensive but these deck boats are 23-28 feet with no overnight accomodations. 1000-5000 for a nice sailboat?? wow I have been on the wrong side of boating! The Columbia 23T Keel drafts at 1'-9" I believe, (see their website www.columbia-yachts.com)fixed heavy ballasted and only hangs down about 6-8" more than the Catalina 22 swing keel when fully cranked up. It is gradually sloped from the front to the middle of the keel, I think it is beachable if the angle of the beach is ok. I have a 2000 Dodge 4x4 Diesel 2500 CC Cummins diesel, launching this will be a snap, my other boat(03 24'Cheetah Fast Cat deck boat) weighs 7000lbs on the trailer. But I am still leaning to the Catalina 22's. I have driven 135 miles (one way) to see one of them. I can make my own mast lifting system if I need it. Thanks everyone... Pete  

A good friend of mine has one It's his first boat, and ironically because of it I became a boat owner myself (long story!). Anyway, I've been out on it with him a few times, even a few miles out in the ocean. That is one of the best sails I ever had. The cockpit has a ton of room, more than my 27'. The interior has no headroom but decent space. My friend sleeps comfortably in it and he is over six feet tall. Surprisingly it is not too tender and it sails really nice. Pointing is an issue with the shoal keel but you have to work at running aground. He has a 6 hp four stroke on the back and it is more power than necessary. Honestly, the only thing I don't like about his boat is the lack of lifelines. Stepping the mast is pretty easy for two people of average strength. First time it took us an hour since neither one of us had ever done it before and we didn't any reference (and we couldn't find all the parts). Next time it took 15 minutes! He tows it with a Land Rover Discovery without too much trouble but his trailer doesn't have brakes. After a pretty hairy incident on the Atlantic City Expressway I would highly recommend brakes on the trailer. I'd have to say I would have been happy to have the Columbia as my first boat. Manny  

Sailing performance is important to me Thank you Manny, It is great to find someone experienced with this Columbia 23T. The cockpit is nice, below deck is also very nice and pretty roomy, you should see the condition of this Columbia 23, amazing for a 74-75 any kind of boat. The trailer needs some work though, as I said before I don't think there is a scratch on the deck or hull anywhere. Beautiful interior, all original too. I guess I am a little preformance oriented...I want to sail in the ocean and go to Catalina Island. Trailer it to Dana Point (70 miles) launch and then it is 28 miles to Catalina...sounds doable sail and motor a little for a few days, stay at a local hotel and sleep in the boat also. I have a 13yr old daughter and we love to explore, strap down or tow a kayak and paddle around...lots to see there. My wife may stay home!! I will get a GPS and VHF radio if I go. Ocean performance and safety would be affected by the shallow keel on the Columbia, that is very important. Interiors on used Catalina 22's are easily repaired and upgraded, expecially for a low starting price. The hull condition/integrity is the most important thing to me. I found an inexpensive Catalina 22 with a great deck, hull and trailer amazing for a 70's boat. Thanks to everyone for the opinions and the truth about the shallow keels, this is the info I was looking for here, experienced and knollegable opinions. So I am wrighting a list of must haves as was suggested I alway do this. I welcome any other comments. Pete  

charlesb200

Pete - I have a '75 Columbia 23-T. Not my first sailboat (Sea Snark was first), but second. Have had it since '77. It is an almost 'beachable' boat, a very important point when we were young and had kids - they loved the sail, but always looked forward to playing on the beach. As noted, it is not a ' highperformance' boat in that it doesn't point very high, but when your main goal is to have a good time on the water, high performance is not the highest factor to consider. It is a comfortable sailer, with high coamings to support your back while sailing, long cockpit for occasional naps or nighttime sleeping arrangements. Cabin has sitting headroom, and depending on other amenities (head, sink, stove), it makes a good home for the weekend overnight sailor. We don't trailer, as we have a large bay that gives us plenty of area to gunkhole. Thin water makes the 1' 11" draft almost perfect for our area. While we have run aground (show me a sailor that has not!), it is easy to refloat (you can push it off if you have to). While I would like to have a larger boat that has standing headroom, a boat that large increases everything - size rigging, weight of mast(you can't step a mast on a 30' boat with 2 people), sails are not as easy to handle, sails provide much more force/effort to set correctly, slip rents go up, and the list goes on and on... I think the Columbia 23-T is a great boat - first or only  

Barnacle Bill

The Columbia 23T is a very good boat. Built well and has a good amount of usable interior space for her size. Good size cockpit too. Her negative would be the shoal keel which does not have a centerboard so there will be some compromise to windward performance, but reaching or running will be fun. The boat is not built any more so there will be no manufacturer support, but I cannot imagine anything that can go wrong with her than can't be fixed anyway. For example, you can still get a new mast or boom, if needed, same with sails. Fiberglass can be repaired. Much of the hardware used on the boat can still be purchased possibly as original or certainly someone makes something that will work, etc. It is a great first sailboat.  

Columbia 23 OK, before I type for a lengthy period I want to make sure that this'll post.  

Columbia 23 That's why I love this site, everyone's replies or insight and intelligent. Intelligence and passion are what sets sailors apart from everyone else on the water. Many posts on trailor sailors speak of the bennefit on not having to keep your boat at a marina, and being about to travel to different locations with your sailboat. But, I learned early on (with an 18' fishing boat) that to get the most out of your boat, especially in the Northern waters, you have to keep it on the water. I've found people willing to rent slips on a cannal rather than in a marina, to save costs. And, there is the winter out-haul and storage that I still save on. Anyhow, I purchased a Catalina 22 last spring and I love it. Finally stepping up to a real sailboat after owning a 12' & 13 footer. My one complaint, having a swing-keel, is that the keel is a bit light for sailing on Lake Erie. But, as acknowledged by many, thus is the trade-off of a trailor sailor. Also, as mentioned, sailboats seem to hold up remarkably well (if cared for). Mines an '88 and she looks great. As said, there were many of these produced, so a little hunting should allow you to find a nice one (I had driven 180 miles to pick mine up). My Father had owned a Columbia T23 when I was a boy. He gave up sailing long ago, so, he is not available at this site for comment. The Columbia seemed a little more capable, and had a slightly bigger cabin, from what I recall. My Father said it didn't turn well, especially across the wind (jybing ?). But, with its long heel, it tracked well. I tend to believe that its draft is deeper than 1'8", as we had run aground on more than one occasion (docking it at the far end of a swamp did not help). I'm sure you'll be happy with either (although, you've likely purchased one by now). I do like having the adjustability of a swing heel. And, Catalina 22's are certainly affordable.  

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1964 Columbia 29 as First Boat

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I'm trying to get in line for a Columbia 29 that I've been eyeing. I've actually been admiring it out on the water before I even found it was for sail. Anyone have any input on whether this is too much or too little boat for my first purchase? I'll likely be living aboard and only using it occasionally as I pile up more days on the water with my local learning club... I'm trying to get a surveyor who can go with me to the purchase meeting, assuming the deal goes through, anyone have any referrals? Thanks!  

Mark.. I'd be happy to join your for the first look - save you a surveyor's fee until you confirm a real interest. When are you planning to do this? In good shape it may well be a good fit for what you're considering over the next while. PM me with details if you like.  

Classic, should make a nice live aboard . Actually a guy I new had one and lived on it . Good luck with the Atomic . http://sailboatdata.com/viewrecord.asp?class_id=807  

This one? 1964 Columbia 29' sailboat full keel fibreglas sloop  

well if that is the one, I can see why they may need a bigger boat, she looks a bit pregnant! Love the shot of the surprised look over the shoulder with the cell phone. Some odd photos to include. I would never include photos with people in it for sale shots, and certainly would not have shots of a kerosene heater! that is a bit dangerous. Especially with a young child, and it not being secured. And tidy the boat up before taking photos.  

Looks like a solid, well kept boat. Real classic, worth preserving. Not many of these left around.  

They're living on it, apparently at anchor shifting between False Creek and off Kits Beach. No way bring up babies and no real ability to tidy it up for photos. At least they seem to have the ground tackle for Kits beach.  

Hey markarsenal, did you ever buy that Columbia. I am also looking to buy my first open water boat and I am considering a Columbia 24. I am wondering how your experience has been and if you did not buy it, why not. Anyone else who would like to weigh in on the Columbia 24 would be much appreciated.  

Well, I am very late to this thread, I just happened on it, so I wonder if both of you ended up buying the Columbias? As a former owner of a 24 and a current owner of a 29 I can certainly recommend them! I think the 24 may be one of the best pocket cruisers ever. When I first saw it I thought it looked very odd with that high house, but I came to appreciate it over 10 years of cruising around the Channel Islands. She was roomy yet really sailed well and did just fine in big seas and winds. And all those early Columbias were built strong. Now with my '62 C29 I have another great little cruiser; a solid Sparkman and Stephens hull that scoots along at 6 - 7 knots typically. I have hull #37 so it is one with the lighter ballast (3120# for its 22 foot waterline) which I happen to prefer. Later on, 1965 or 1966 I believe, they added 1000# more of lead presumably to make it less tender and perhaps to enable it to carry more sail and drive better to windward. I'd rather load up 1000# of water and food and go exploring! They are all great boats.  

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