Bayfield 40 vs Columbia 40
How do the Bayfield 40 and Columbia 40 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
| Bayfield 40 | Columbia 40 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 39.5 ft12.04 m | 39.5 ft12.04 m |
| Waterline length | 30.5 ft9.30 m | 27.8 ft8.46 m |
| Beam | 12.0 ft3.66 m | 10.5 ft3.20 m |
| Draft | 4.9 ft1.50 m | 9.0 ft2.74 m |
| Displacement | 21,000 lb9,525 kg | 18,900 lb8,573 kg |
| Ballast | 8,200 lb3,719 kg | 8,400 lb3,810 kg |
| Sail area | 794 ft²73.8 m² | 647 ft²60.1 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 16.69 | 14.59 |
| Displacement / Length | 330 | 395 |
| Comfort ratio | 35.7 | 40.8 |
| Capsize screening | 1.74 | 1.58 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.4 | 7.1 |
Bayfield 40 vs Columbia 40: the short version
- The Bayfield 40 and Columbia 40 are close in length (39.5 ft12.04 m vs 39.5 ft12.04 m ).
- The Bayfield 40 is heavier, displacing about 11% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Bayfield 40 carries the more powerful rig (16.7 vs 14.6), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Columbia 40 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Columbia 40 rates better for offshore work (1.58 vs 1.74).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.