COLUMBIA 39
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 38.58 ft |
| LWL | 31.5 ft |
| Beam | 11.25 ft |
| Draft | 6 ft |
| Displacement | 18,500 lb |
| Ballast | 9,200 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.5 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 47 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 17 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 40.5 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 12.5 ft |
| FLforestay | 17 ft |
| Mainsail | 778 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 437.8 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 744.2 sq ft |
About the COLUMBIA 39
It is thought that the hulls for the COLUMBIA 39 and 41 came from the same mold. Not to be confused with the earlier COLUMBIA 39 CONSTELLATION (1966). Shorter rig: I: 47.0' J: 17.0' P: 40.5' E: 12.5'
Designed by William Tripp Jr. and built by Columbia Yachts/Whittaker Corp. (USA) between 1970 and 1971, the Columbia 39 is a substantial cruising sloop with a production run of 43 hulls. Owner reports highlight a well-maintained fleet with significant investment in modern electronics and sail inventory, though structural integrity remains a primary concern.
- Best for:
- This boat suits experienced coastal cruisers and those seeking a heavy-displacement vessel for protected waters, provided they are prepared for ongoing structural maintenance. It is less ideal for novice sailors due to the complexity of managing potential keel and hull issues.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 18500.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 1.7, the Columbia 39 possesses the mass and stability for offshore passage-making, but its bluewater readiness is severely compromised by widespread reports of keel smile and sump cracking.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other heavy-displacement American cruising yachts from the early 1970s, such as the Tartan 38 or O'Day 38, due to similar beam, displacement, and interior volume. These boats share the era's emphasis on comfort and stability over high-performance racing metrics.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the COLUMBIA 39 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 38.58ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
13 reported issues across 7 systems for the COLUMBIA 39, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a COLUMBIA 39? 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 13 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 39?
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: Universal — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the COLUMBIA 39
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…