COLUMBIA 24
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 24.33 ft |
| LWL | 18 ft |
| Beam | 8 ft |
| Draft | 3.33 ft |
| Displacement | 4,050 lb |
| Ballast | 1,799.8 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 5.7 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 30.08 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 9 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 25 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 11.33 ft |
About the COLUMBIA 24
For the COLUMBIA 24, Glass Laminates took the ISLANDER 24 hull (which they built for Joe McGlasson), added a bit of free board, and created a new deck & coach roof similar to that of the COLUMBIA 29. So, the COLUMBIA 24, the COLUMBIA CONTENDER 24, and COLUMBIA CHALLENGER 24, all derive from McGlasson’s wooden CATALINA ISLANDER. The faux planking, that may have remained from the original hull, or created by other means, became an Islander trademark. (removed for the Columbia line.) This hull design was 'recycled' (form original molds or 'splashed' copies) was offered from a number of other builders under many different names for many years.
Designed by J. McGlasson and built by Glass Laminates (USA) between 1962 and 1964, the Columbia 24 is a compact coastal cruiser with a production run of 261 hulls. Its legacy is defined by a lightweight, performance-oriented design that prioritizes sailing characteristics over heavy offshore comfort.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who value agility and ease of handling over heavy displacement comfort. It is well-suited for single-handers or couples seeking a manageable, trailerable package for protected waters.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 4050.0 lb and a comfort ratio of 19.71, the Columbia 24 is not recommended for extended offshore passages due to its light weight and narrow beam.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Pearson 24 and O'Day 23, which share similar dimensions and eras. These vessels are comparable due to their shared role as lightweight, fin-keel coastal cruisers designed for recreational sailing rather than bluewater endurance.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the COLUMBIA 24 yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 24.33ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
16 reported issues across 8 systems for the COLUMBIA 24, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a COLUMBIA 24? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 16 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your COLUMBIA 24?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Universal, Atomic 4, Atomic Four — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the COLUMBIA 24
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…