Columbia 24 vs Columbia 24 Contender
How do the Columbia 24 and Columbia 24 Contender compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Columbia 24 | Columbia 24 | Columbia 24 Contender | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 24.3 ft7.42 m | 24.0 ft7.32 m |
| Waterline length | 18.0 ft5.49 m | 18.3 ft5.56 m |
| Beam | 8.0 ft2.44 m | 7.8 ft2.39 m |
| Draft | 3.3 ft1.01 m | 3.3 ft0.99 m |
| Displacement | 4,050 lb1,837 kg | 3,600 lb1,633 kg |
| Ballast | 1,800 lb816 kg | 1,600 lb726 kg |
| Sail area | 285 ft²26.5 m² | 288 ft²26.8 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.95 | 19.62 |
| Displacement / Length | 310 | 264 |
| Comfort ratio | 19.7 | 18.0 |
| Capsize screening | 2.01 | 2.04 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.7 | 5.7 |
Columbia 24 vs Columbia 24 Contender: the short version
- The Columbia 24 and Columbia 24 Contender are close in length (24.3 ft7.42 m vs 24.0 ft7.32 m ).
- The Columbia 24 is heavier, displacing about 13% 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 17.9), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Columbia 24 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Columbia 24 rates better for offshore work (2.01 vs 2.04).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.