The Columbia 36 Sailboat
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

Published Specification for the Columbia 36

Keel & Rudder Configuration: Fin keel, with internally-mounted spade-type rudder
Hull Material: Fiberglass with wood trim
* Length Overall: 10.90 m (35'9")
* Waterline Length: 8.46 m (27'9")
* Beam: 3.20 m (10'6")
* Draft: 1.65 m (5'5")
Rig Type: Masthead sloop
* Displacement: 5,443 kg (12,000 lb)
* Ballast: 2,268 kg (5,000 lb)
* Sail Area: 51.7 m² (243 sq ft)
Water Tank Capacity: 120 L (33 US gal)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 110 L (29 US gal)
Hull Speed: 7.1 knots
Designer: William Crealock
Builder: Columbia Yachts
Year First Built: 1967
Year Last Built: 1972

* Used to derive the design ratios referred to later in this article - here's how they're calculated...

Options & Alternatives

The Columbia 36 Mark II was introduced in 1970, having a slightly longer overall length of 11.0 meters (36'2") and a draft of 1.60 meters (5'3"). It also featured a Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine and a larger fresh water tank capacity of 380 liters (100 US gallons).

Sail Areas & Rig Dimensions

Sail Areas & Rig Dimensions

I (Foretriangle Height): 12.74 m (41'10")
J (Foretriangle Base): 4.57 m (15'0")
P (Mainsail Luff Length): 10.58 m (34'9")
E (Mainsail Foot Length): 4.27 m (14'0")

Total sail area: 51.7 m² (243 ft²).

Published Design Ratios
The Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Sail Area/Displacement Ratio: 17.0

• This ratio indicates that the Columbia 36 has a moderate sail area relative to its displacement. A higher ratio generally means better performance in light winds and a more responsive sailing experience. With a ratio of 17.0, the Columbia 36 should perform adequately in a variety of wind conditions, though it may not be as sprightly as racing yachts with higher ratios.

Ballast/Displacement Ratio: 41.7

• This ratio suggests that the Columbia 36 has a substantial amount of ballast compared to its overall displacement. This should provide good stability and stiffness, making the boat less prone to heeling excessively in strong winds and improving its ability to right itself.

Displacement/Length Ratio: 251

• A higher displacement/length ratio typically indicates a heavier boat that might be more comfortable and better suited for offshore cruising. With a ratio of 251, the Columbia 36 falls into the range of traditional cruising yachts, suggesting it will provide a smooth and comfortable ride but might not be as fast or agile as lighter boats with lower ratios.

Comfort Ratio: 26.8

• The comfort ratio is a measure of how comfortable a boat is likely to be in rough conditions. At 26.8, the Columbia 36 scores quite well, implying that it should offer a relatively comfortable ride even when the seas are rough, making it a good choice for extended cruising.

Capsize Screening Formula: 1.8

• A capsize screening value below 2.0 is generally considered good for offshore sailing, indicating a lower risk of capsizing. With a value of 1.8, the Columbia 36 is well-suited for offshore passages and should be relatively safe in heavy weather.

Overall, the Columbia 36 appears to be a well-balanced cruising sailboat with good stability, reasonable performance in varied wind conditions, and a focus on comfort and safety for extended offshore voyages. It's designed to offer a comfortable and secure sailing experience, making it a great choice for those who enjoy longer, more adventurous trips on the water.

But...

Whilst the above design ratios are fairly typical for a moderate displacement cruising sloop of this type and can be interpreted to provide an indication of such a vessel's likely sailing characteristics, they have their limitations:

• The design ratios are static measurements which don't account for dynamic factors like wave action, wind gusts, or crew actions.

• They simplify complex interactions into single numbers, which can be misleading. Real-world performance is influenced by a multitude of factors that these ratios can't fully capture.

• The context in which the boat is intended to be used (e.g., coastal cruising vs. offshore racing) can greatly affect how these ratios should be interpreted.

In summary, although these ratios provide valuable insights into the theoretical performance characteristics of a sailboat, they should be used as part of a broader assessment that includes practical experience, sea trials, and expert advice.

This Practical Sailor review of the Columbia 36 is worth a read...