COLUMBIA 52
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 51.83 ft |
| LWL | 39.75 ft |
| Beam | 13 ft |
| Draft | 8 ft |
| Displacement | 38,000 lb |
| Ballast | 19,000 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 8.4 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 61 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 22.5 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 52 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 16.3 ft |
| FLforestay | 22.5 ft |
| Mainsail | 1,144 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 686.3 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 1,166.6 sq ft |
About the COLUMBIA 52
Also sold later as the SAILCRAFTER 52. From builders original brochure.
Designed by William H. Tripp Jr. and built by Columbia Yachts (USA) between 1971 and 1973, the Columbia 52 is a rare and substantial cruising sloop with only 7 hulls produced. Its heavy displacement of 38000.0 lb and robust construction reflect its era's emphasis on durability, though the small production run means parts and specific knowledge are scarce.
- Best for:
- This boat suits experienced coastal and offshore cruisers who prioritize comfort and stability over speed, particularly those willing to undertake significant structural maintenance on a classic vessel. It is ideal for owners seeking a large, safe passage-making boat with ample interior volume, provided they are prepared for the high stewardship required by its age.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 38000.0 lb, a capsize ratio of 1.55, and a comfort ratio of 44.47, the Columbia 52 is inherently stable and well-suited for offshore passages. Its heavy build and fin keel provide excellent motion comfort in heavy seas, though its age requires rigorous structural verification before bluewater use.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Tartan 42 and O'Day 38 from the same era, which share similar heavy-displacement, fin-keel characteristics and cruising-oriented layouts. Like the Columbia 52, these designs prioritize seakindliness and interior space, making them suitable for long-range cruising rather than racing.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(1 certificate)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 5.7 | 6.6 | 7.3 | 7.6 | 7.7 | 7.8 | 7.9 |
| 60° | 6.0 | 7.0 | 7.5 | 7.8 | 8.0 | 8.1 | 8.2 |
| 75° | 6.2 | 7.2 | 7.7 | 8.0 | 8.2 | 8.4 | 8.5 |
| 90° | 6.1 | 7.2 | 7.8 | 8.1 | 8.3 | 8.5 | 8.8 |
| 110° | 5.8 | 7.1 | 7.8 | 8.2 | 8.3 | 8.5 | 8.7 |
| 120° | 5.7 | 6.9 | 7.8 | 8.2 | 8.5 | 8.7 | 9.0 |
| 135° | 5.3 | 6.4 | 7.4 | 8.0 | 8.3 | 8.6 | 9.3 |
| 150° | 4.5 | 5.6 | 6.5 | 7.4 | 7.9 | 8.3 | 8.9 |
| Beat VMG | 3.8 | 4.4 | 4.8 | 5.1 | 5.3 | 5.4 | 5.4 |
| Run VMG | 3.9 | 4.8 | 5.7 | 6.5 | 7.1 | 7.7 | 8.4 |
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 51.83ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
6 reported issues across 4 systems for the COLUMBIA 52, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a COLUMBIA 52? 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 6 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
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