COLUMBIA 29 DEFENDER
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 28.5 ft |
| LWL | 22.5 ft |
| Beam | 8 ft |
| Draft | 4 ft |
| Displacement | 8,400 lb |
| Ballast | 4,120.2 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.4 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 34.5 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 10.42 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 30 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 13.83 ft |
| FLforestay | 10.4 ft |
| Mainsail | 403.8 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 179.8 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 305.6 sq ft |
About the COLUMBIA 29 DEFENDER
Raised deck version of the COLUMBIA 29.
Designed by Sparkman & Stephens and built by Columbia Yachts (USA) from 1963–1969, the Columbia 29 Defender is a classic full-keel sloop with a displacement of 8400.0 lb. While the exact number of hulls built is unknown, this model represents a significant era of American production yachts known for their robust construction and traditional aesthetics.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal cruisers and those seeking a traditional, comfortable cruising experience, as indicated by its high comfort ratio of 33.47 and full/long keel design. It appeals to owners who value stability and classic sailing characteristics over high-performance racing.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.58 and a displacement of 8400.0 lb, the Columbia 29 Defender is generally considered capable of offshore passages, though its age and potential structural issues require careful assessment.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats from this era include the Columbia 26 and 30, which share similar Sparkman & Stephens designs and full-keel configurations. Other contemporaries like the Pearson 28 or O'Day 28 offer similar coastal cruising capabilities but with different rigging or hull forms.
Direct variant of the COLUMBIA 29 DEFENDER
Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the COLUMBIA 29 DEFENDER 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 28.5ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
4 reported issues across 3 systems for the COLUMBIA 29 DEFENDER, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a COLUMBIA 29 DEFENDER? 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 4 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 29 DEFENDER?
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Used sails that fit the COLUMBIA 29 DEFENDER
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…