Cal 35 Cruise vs Columbia 24 Contender
How do the Cal 35 Cruise and Columbia 24 Contender compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Cal 35 Cruise | Cal 35 Cruise | Columbia 24 Contender | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 35.1 ft10.69 m | 24.0 ft7.32 m |
| Waterline length | 28.8 ft8.76 m | 18.3 ft5.56 m |
| Beam | 11.0 ft3.35 m | 7.8 ft2.39 m |
| Draft | 4.7 ft1.42 m | 3.3 ft0.99 m |
| Displacement | 15,000 lb6,804 kg | 3,600 lb1,633 kg |
| Ballast | 5,000 lb2,268 kg | 1,600 lb726 kg |
| Sail area | 546 ft²50.7 m² | 288 ft²26.8 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 14.36 | 19.62 |
| Displacement / Length | 282 | 264 |
| Comfort ratio | 31.0 | 18.0 |
| Capsize screening | 1.78 | 2.04 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.2 | 5.7 |
Cal 35 Cruise vs Columbia 24 Contender: the short version
- The Cal 35 Cruise is the larger boat at 35.1 ft10.69 m LOA versus 24.0 ft7.32 m for the Columbia 24 Contender.
- The Cal 35 Cruise is heavier, displacing about 317% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Columbia 24 Contender carries the more powerful rig (19.6 vs 14.4), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Cal 35 Cruise scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Cal 35 Cruise rates better for offshore work (1.78 vs 2.04).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.