Columbia 7.6 vs Dufour 1800
How do the Columbia 7.6 and Dufour 1800 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Columbia 7.6 | Columbia 7.6 | Dufour 1800 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 25.1 ft7.64 m | 25.1 ft7.65 m |
| Waterline length | 20.7 ft6.30 m | 21.9 ft6.68 m |
| Beam | 9.2 ft2.80 m | 8.9 ft2.71 m |
| Draft | 3.5 ft1.07 m | 4.3 ft1.30 m |
| Displacement | 4,500 lb2,041 kg | 3,969 lb1,800 kg |
| Ballast | 1,500 lb680 kg | 1,653 lb750 kg |
| Sail area | 314 ft²29.2 m² | 252 ft²23.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 18.43 | 16.08 |
| Displacement / Length | 227 | 168 |
| Comfort ratio | 16.5 | 14.6 |
| Capsize screening | 2.22 | 2.25 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.1 | 6.3 |
Columbia 7.6 vs Dufour 1800: the short version
- The Columbia 7.6 and Dufour 1800 are close in length (25.1 ft7.64 m vs 25.1 ft7.65 m ).
- The Columbia 7.6 is heavier, displacing about 13% 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 16.1), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Columbia 7.6 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Columbia 7.6 rates better for offshore work (2.22 vs 2.25).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.