The Columbia 28 is a popular sailing boat that was designed by naval architect Alan Payne and built by Columbia Yachts in the 1960s and 1970s. It is a mid-sized cruiser-racer sailboat that offers a good balance between performance and comfort.
Here are some key features and characteristics of the Columbia 28:
1. Dimensions: The boat has an overall length of 28 feet (8.53 meters) and a beam of 9 feet 3 inches (2.82 meters). It has a draft of 4 feet 11 inches (1.5 meters), which allows it to navigate in shallow waters.
2. Hull Design: The Columbia 28 features a solid fiberglass hull, which provides durability and strength. It has a moderate displacement hull with a fin keel and a spade rudder, allowing for good stability and maneuverability.
3. Sailing Performance: The boat is known for its good sailing performance, both in light winds and heavy weather conditions. It has a tall mast and a large sail area, which helps it to sail efficiently and achieve decent speeds.
4. Interior Layout: The Columbia 28 offers a comfortable and functional interior layout. It typically has a V-berth in the forward cabin, a main salon with settees on both sides, a galley with a sink, stove, and icebox, and a head compartment with a marine toilet. Some models may also have an aft cabin.
5. Accommodation: The boat can accommodate up to four people for overnight trips. The settees in the main salon can be converted into additional berths, providing sleeping space for guests. The interior is well-ventilated with ample natural light, thanks to the large windows and hatches.
6. Storage Space: The Columbia 28 offers sufficient storage space for extended cruising. It has cabinets, shelves, and lockers throughout the interior, allowing for organized storage of personal belongings, provisions, and equipment.
7. Deck Layout: The boat has a spacious and uncluttered deck layout, making it easy to move around and handle sails. It features wide side decks, a large cockpit with comfortable seating, and well-positioned winches and cleats for efficient sail handling.
8. Construction Quality: Columbia Yachts were known for their solid construction and attention to detail. The Columbia 28 is built to withstand offshore conditions and is considered a sturdy and reliable boat.
Overall, the Columbia 28 is a versatile and well-designed sailboat that offers a good combination of performance, comfort, and affordability. It is suitable for coastal cruising, day sailing, and even club racing.
