Columbia 24 Contender vs Columbia T-23
How do the Columbia 24 Contender and Columbia T-23 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 T-23 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 24.0 ft7.32 m | 22.6 ft6.88 m |
| Waterline length | 18.3 ft5.56 m | 20.0 ft6.10 m |
| Beam | 7.8 ft2.39 m | 7.9 ft2.41 m |
| Draft | 3.3 ft0.99 m | 1.1 ft0.33 m |
| Displacement | 3,600 lb1,633 kg | 2,300 lb1,043 kg |
| Ballast | 1,600 lb726 kg | 810 lb367 kg |
| Sail area | 288 ft²26.8 m² | 218 ft²20.3 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 19.62 | 20.02 |
| Displacement / Length | 264 | 128 |
| Comfort ratio | 18.0 | 10.9 |
| Capsize screening | 2.04 | 2.40 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.7 | 6.0 |
Columbia 24 Contender vs Columbia T-23: the short version
- The Columbia 24 Contender is the larger boat at 24.0 ft7.32 m LOA versus 22.6 ft6.88 m for the Columbia T-23.
- The Columbia 24 Contender is heavier, displacing about 57% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Columbia T-23 carries the more powerful rig (20.0 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 2.40).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.