Columbia 24 vs Columbia 7.6
How do the Columbia 24 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 | Columbia 24 | Columbia 7.6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 24.3 ft7.42 m | 25.1 ft7.64 m |
| Waterline length | 18.0 ft5.49 m | 20.7 ft6.30 m |
| Beam | 8.0 ft2.44 m | 9.2 ft2.80 m |
| Draft | 3.3 ft1.01 m | 3.5 ft1.07 m |
| Displacement | 4,050 lb1,837 kg | 4,500 lb2,041 kg |
| Ballast | 1,800 lb816 kg | 1,500 lb680 kg |
| Sail area | 285 ft²26.5 m² | 314 ft²29.2 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.95 | 18.43 |
| Displacement / Length | 310 | 227 |
| Comfort ratio | 19.7 | 16.5 |
| Capsize screening | 2.01 | 2.22 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.7 | 6.1 |
Columbia 24 vs Columbia 7.6: the short version
- The Columbia 7.6 is the larger boat at 25.1 ft7.64 m LOA versus 24.3 ft7.42 m for the Columbia 24.
- The Columbia 7.6 is heavier, displacing about 11% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Columbia 7.6 carries the more powerful rig (18.4 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 2.22).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.