Columbia 24 Contender vs Columbia 36
How do the Columbia 24 Contender and Columbia 36 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Columbia 24 Contender | Columbia 24 Contender | Columbia 36 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 24.0 ft7.32 m | 35.8 ft10.90 m |
| Waterline length | 18.3 ft5.56 m | 27.8 ft8.46 m |
| Beam | 7.8 ft2.39 m | 10.5 ft3.20 m |
| Draft | 3.3 ft0.99 m | 5.4 ft1.65 m |
| Displacement | 3,600 lb1,633 kg | 12,000 lb5,443 kg |
| Ballast | 1,600 lb726 kg | 5,000 lb2,268 kg |
| Sail area | 288 ft²26.8 m² | 556 ft²51.7 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 19.62 | 16.97 |
| Displacement / Length | 264 | 251 |
| Comfort ratio | 18.0 | 26.8 |
| Capsize screening | 2.04 | 1.83 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.7 | 7.1 |
Columbia 24 Contender vs Columbia 36: the short version
- The Columbia 36 is the larger boat at 35.8 ft10.90 m LOA versus 24.0 ft7.32 m for the Columbia 24 Contender.
- The Columbia 36 is heavier, displacing about 233% 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 17.0), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Columbia 36 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Columbia 36 rates better for offshore work (1.83 vs 2.04).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.