Columbia 24 Contender vs Columbia 7.6
How do the Columbia 24 Contender and Columbia 7.6 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 7.6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 24.0 ft7.32 m | 25.1 ft7.64 m |
| Waterline length | 18.3 ft5.56 m | 20.7 ft6.30 m |
| Beam | 7.8 ft2.39 m | 9.2 ft2.80 m |
| Draft | 3.3 ft0.99 m | 3.5 ft1.07 m |
| Displacement | 3,600 lb1,633 kg | 4,500 lb2,041 kg |
| Ballast | 1,600 lb726 kg | 1,500 lb680 kg |
| Sail area | 288 ft²26.8 m² | 314 ft²29.2 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 19.62 | 18.43 |
| Displacement / Length | 264 | 227 |
| Comfort ratio | 18.0 | 16.5 |
| Capsize screening | 2.04 | 2.22 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.7 | 6.1 |
Columbia 24 Contender vs Columbia 7.6: the short version
- The Columbia 7.6 is the larger boat at 25.1 ft7.64 m LOA versus 24.0 ft7.32 m for the Columbia 24 Contender.
- The Columbia 7.6 is heavier, displacing about 25% 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 18.4), 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 2.22).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.