Columbia 24 Contender vs Freedom 35
How do the Columbia 24 Contender and Freedom 35 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 | Freedom 35 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 24.0 ft7.32 m | 35.4 ft10.79 m |
| Waterline length | 18.3 ft5.56 m | 29.9 ft9.11 m |
| Beam | 7.8 ft2.39 m | 12.0 ft3.66 m |
| Draft | 3.3 ft0.99 m | 6.5 ft1.98 m |
| Displacement | 3,600 lb1,633 kg | 14,611 lb6,627 kg |
| Ballast | 1,600 lb726 kg | 4,465 lb2,025 kg |
| Sail area | 288 ft²26.8 m² | 609 ft²56.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 19.62 | 16.30 |
| Displacement / Length | 264 | 244 |
| Comfort ratio | 18.0 | 26.1 |
| Capsize screening | 2.04 | 1.96 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.7 | 7.3 |
Columbia 24 Contender vs Freedom 35: the short version
- The Freedom 35 is the larger boat at 35.4 ft10.79 m LOA versus 24.0 ft7.32 m for the Columbia 24 Contender.
- The Freedom 35 is heavier, displacing about 306% 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 16.3), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Freedom 35 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Freedom 35 rates better for offshore work (1.96 vs 2.04).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.