Columbia 10.7 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Columbia 10.7's creation falls within a period when Columbia Yachts, under the ownership of Whittaker Corporation, was a dominant force in the fiberglass sailboat industry. The company, which began as Glas Laminates in 1958, rapidly expanded by embracing fiberglass construction, a material that revolutionized boat building by offering durability and efficient mass production. During this era, Columbia yachts were known for delivering classic designs, comfortable interiors, and what were considered luxurious bluewater yachts for their time.

The 10.7 was penned by Alan Payne, a renowned naval architect known for his contributions to the sailing world, including America's Cup challengers. His design philosophy for the 10.7 centered on maximizing interior volume and providing a comfortable cruising experience. Production commenced in 1976, with the first 66 units built at Whittaker Corp.'s Chesapeake plant. The model saw a total of approximately 200 units built before production ceased around 1979. While no significant variations like MkI or MkII appear to be widely documented, the consistent design reflects Payne's vision for a capable and accommodating cruiser.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 15.02, the Columbia 10.7 is characterized as a moderate performer, suggesting she will deliver respectable speed in a range of conditions, though she might not be exceptionally spritely in very light air. Her ballast-to-displacement ratio of about 0.38 indicates a solid level of stability, allowing her to stand up to a good breeze without excessive heel. This, combined with a fin keel and spade rudder, points to a boat that is relatively well-balanced and responsive for a cruiser of her size.

The Columbia 10.7’s displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 330.4 places her firmly in the category of a heavier, more traditional cruiser. This substantial build contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway, making her well-suited for offshore passages and minimizing fatigue on longer trips. Owners generally report that while she might be "light on canvas" and have "a lot of windage due to high freeboard," her handling is predictable, offering a secure feel at sea. Her length overall of 35.17 feet and a waterline length of 26.58 feet contribute to a hull speed of approximately 6.91 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

A hallmark of the Columbia 10.7 is its generous interior volume, a direct result of Alan Payne's "wide-body" design philosophy. The layout typically features a functional galley to port of the companionway, well-equipped for meal preparation at sea or anchor. Opposite the galley, to starboard, is a large chart table with seating, providing a dedicated navigation station.

The salon is spacious, offering ample seating and a comfortable area for dining and socializing. While specific headroom figures are not always consistently cited, some models boast up to 6'2" of headroom in the open salon, contributing to the boat's airy feel. Berths typically include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that can convert into berths, and potentially a quarter berth aft, providing comfortable sleeping arrangements for a crew. Storage is plentiful throughout the boat, a feature frequently praised by owners. The finish quality, reflecting Columbia's ethos of the era, typically includes warm wood trim combined with durable fiberglass surfaces, creating a classic and inviting atmosphere.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Columbia 10.7 often highlight its robust construction and significant interior space as primary strengths. The boat's solid fiberglass hull and deck, characteristic of Columbia Yachts from that period, are frequently cited for their durability and seaworthiness. Many appreciate the comfortable motion in a seaway, which makes for a pleasant cruising experience. The generous interior volume is consistently praised, offering more living space than many comparable boats of its size and era, making it a desirable choice for those seeking comfort on extended trips.

However, common maintenance considerations for a vessel of this vintage are also noted. Owners occasionally mention the need to address original deck fittings that may develop leaks over time, requiring re-bedding. While generally considered well-built, potential buyers are often advised to conduct thorough surveys to assess the condition of systems and potential issues that can arise from boats of this age. The consensus among owners is that the Columbia 10.7, while perhaps not a performance racer, delivers a dependable, comfortable, and capacious cruising platform that remains a solid value in the used boat market.