Columbia 24 Contender vs Columbia 40
How do the Columbia 24 Contender and Columbia 40 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 40 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 24.0 ft7.32 m | 39.5 ft12.04 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 | 9.0 ft2.74 m |
| Displacement | 3,600 lb1,633 kg | 18,900 lb8,573 kg |
| Ballast | 1,600 lb726 kg | 8,400 lb3,810 kg |
| Sail area | 288 ft²26.8 m² | 647 ft²60.1 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 19.62 | 14.59 |
| Displacement / Length | 264 | 395 |
| Comfort ratio | 18.0 | 40.8 |
| Capsize screening | 2.04 | 1.58 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.7 | 7.1 |
Columbia 24 Contender vs Columbia 40: the short version
- The Columbia 40 is the larger boat at 39.5 ft12.04 m LOA versus 24.0 ft7.32 m for the Columbia 24 Contender.
- The Columbia 40 is heavier, displacing about 425% 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 14.6), 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 2.04).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.