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416data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this COLUMBIA 36 buyer’s report
COLUMBIA 36

COLUMBIA 36

Columbia Yachts🇺🇸· Design: William Crealock
$22,200 avg$10,000 – $36,000 (5 listings)1967–1972400 built
$2.2K – $5.9K est. annual maintenance
Offshore CruisermonoMasthead SloopFin

Specifications

Hull

LOA35.75 ft
LWL27.75 ft
Beam10.5 ft
Draft5.42 ft
Displacement12,000 lb
Ballast5,000.4 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL7.1 kn

Rig & Sails

Iforetriangle height41.8 ft
Jforetriangle base15 ft
Pmainsail luff34.7 ft
Emainsail foot14 ft
PYmizzen luff21.25 ft
EYmizzen foot7.17 ft
FLforestay15 ft
Mainsail575.8 sq ft
Jib (100%)313.5 sq ft
Spinnaker533 sq ft

Engine

UniversalAtomic 430 hpSee all 6 parts →

About the COLUMBIA 36

Some were sold (in kit form) as the SAILCRAFTER 36.

Sailpages Buyer's Take

Designed by William Crealock and built by Columbia Yachts (USA) from 1967–1972, the Columbia 36 is a classic cruising sloop with 400 hulls produced. It is widely recognized for its robust construction and comfortable interior, though owners frequently report structural concerns regarding the keel sump and deck core integrity.

Best for:
This boat suits experienced coastal cruisers and those seeking a comfortable, heavy-displacement vessel for protected waters, provided they are prepared for significant maintenance of aging systems.
Bluewater capability:
With a displacement of 12000.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 1.84, the Columbia 36 is inherently stable and seaworthy, but its offshore suitability is compromised by critical structural risks like keel smiles and deck core rot that require rigorous verification.
Comparables:
Comparable to the Cal 34 and O'Day 36 from the same era, these boats share similar beam and displacement characteristics, offering a balance of performance and liveaboard comfort.

Performance

Comfort26.8
Capsize1.84
SA/Disp17.0
Disp/Len251
Bal/Disp41.7

Estimated Value

Low Confidence
Based on 3 listings
Low
$5,665
Estimated Value
$6,180
High
$9,656
Boats sell for ~0% below asking price (based on 1 actual sale) · Inflation-adjusted to 2026 USD

Asking price by model year

5 listings · boat years 19691974 · median $25,500

$0$10k$20k$30k$40kmedian $25,500197019751969 Columbia 36 Sloop · $10,000 · Maryland, US1974 Columbia 36 · $25,500 · Virginia, BS1969 Columbia C-36 · $12,000 · Idaho, US1970 Columbia columbia 36 · $27,500 · CA1969 Columbia columbia 36 · $36,000Asking price (USD)Boat model year

Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.

Estimated Cost of Ownership

Based on 35.75ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$2.2K – $5.9K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Annual Insurance
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Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

22 reported issues across 9 systems for the COLUMBIA 36, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

6 critical7 major9 minor
Structural6Engine5Deck2Rudder2Hull2Rigging2Keel1Electrical1Plumbing1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a COLUMBIA 36? 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 22 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

Engine Parts & Maintenance

The engines most commonly fitted to this model. “All parts” opens the engine's full catalogue; each part links to a matching listing on Amazon or eBay matched to its part number.

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Used sails that fit the COLUMBIA 36

Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…