Cal 35 Cruise vs Columbia 34
How do the Cal 35 Cruise and Columbia 34 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
| Cal 35 Cruise | Columbia 34 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 35.1 ft10.69 m | 34.0 ft10.36 m |
| Waterline length | 28.8 ft8.76 m | 23.6 ft7.19 m |
| Beam | 11.0 ft3.35 m | 9.9 ft3.02 m |
| Draft | 4.7 ft1.42 m | 8.0 ft2.44 m |
| Displacement | 15,000 lb6,804 kg | 10,500 lb4,763 kg |
| Ballast | 5,000 lb2,268 kg | 4,200 lb1,905 kg |
| Sail area | 546 ft²50.7 m² | 466 ft²43.3 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 14.36 | 15.55 |
| Displacement / Length | 282 | 358 |
| Comfort ratio | 31.0 | 28.6 |
| Capsize screening | 1.78 | 1.81 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.2 | 6.5 |
Cal 35 Cruise vs Columbia 34: the short version
- The Cal 35 Cruise is the larger boat at 35.1 ft10.69 m LOA versus 34.0 ft10.36 m for the Columbia 34.
- The Cal 35 Cruise is heavier, displacing about 43% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Columbia 34 carries the more powerful rig (15.5 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 1.81).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.