Columbia 22 vs Columbia 24 Contender
How do the Columbia 22 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.
| Columbia 22 | Columbia 24 Contender | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 22.0 ft6.71 m | 24.0 ft7.32 m |
| Waterline length | 20.1 ft6.12 m | 18.3 ft5.56 m |
| Beam | 7.8 ft2.36 m | 7.8 ft2.39 m |
| Draft | 3.2 ft0.97 m | 3.3 ft0.99 m |
| Displacement | 2,200 lb998 kg | 3,600 lb1,633 kg |
| Ballast | 1,100 lb499 kg | 1,600 lb726 kg |
| Sail area | 232 ft²21.6 m² | 288 ft²26.8 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 21.94 | 19.62 |
| Displacement / Length | 121 | 264 |
| Comfort ratio | 10.8 | 18.0 |
| Capsize screening | 2.38 | 2.04 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.0 | 5.7 |
Columbia 22 vs Columbia 24 Contender: the short version
- The Columbia 24 Contender is the larger boat at 24.0 ft7.32 m LOA versus 22.0 ft6.71 m for the Columbia 22.
- The Columbia 24 Contender is heavier, displacing about 64% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Columbia 22 carries the more powerful rig (21.9 vs 19.6), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Columbia 24 Contender scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Columbia 24 Contender rates better for offshore work (2.04 vs 2.38).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.