Columbia 40 vs Nordic 40
How do the Columbia 40 and Nordic 40 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Columbia 40 | Columbia 40 | Nordic 40 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 39.5 ft12.04 m | 39.7 ft12.10 m |
| Waterline length | 27.8 ft8.46 m | 32.5 ft9.91 m |
| Beam | 10.5 ft3.20 m | 12.4 ft3.79 m |
| Draft | 9.0 ft2.74 m | 6.5 ft1.98 m |
| Displacement | 18,900 lb8,573 kg | 18,000 lb8,165 kg |
| Ballast | 8,400 lb3,810 kg | 7,091 lb3,216 kg |
| Sail area | 647 ft²60.1 m² | 756 ft²70.2 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 14.59 | 17.61 |
| Displacement / Length | 395 | 234 |
| Comfort ratio | 40.8 | 28.0 |
| Capsize screening | 1.58 | 1.90 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.1 | 7.6 |
Columbia 40 vs Nordic 40: the short version
- The Columbia 40 and Nordic 40 are close in length (39.5 ft12.04 m vs 39.7 ft12.10 m ).
- On sail area/displacement the Nordic 40 carries the more powerful rig (17.6 vs 14.6), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Columbia 40 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Columbia 40 rates better for offshore work (1.58 vs 1.90).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.