Columbia 24 Contender Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Columbia 24 Contender begins in the early 1960s, with production running from 1963 to 1968. Its design lineage traces back to Joseph McGlasson's earlier wooden Islander 24, with the Columbia 24, Columbia 24 Contender, and Columbia 24 Challenger all sharing similar or identical hulls. This connection highlights Columbia Yachts' early pioneering efforts in fiberglass boat building. Founded by Richard "Dick" Valdes as Glas Laminates, the company transitioned into yacht manufacturing by producing a fiberglass version of McGlasson's Islander 24, aiming to meet burgeoning demand for recreational sailboats. Columbia Yachts quickly established itself as a leader in fiberglass construction, focusing on durable, efficient mass-produced vessels with classic designs.

While the fundamental hull form remained consistent across the Columbia 24 variants, distinctions emerged in their deck and cabin configurations. The Columbia 24 Contender is notably characterized by its short cabin trunk, differentiating it from the Columbia 24 Challenger, which featured a raised deck design. Approximately 330 units of the Columbia 24 Contender were built during its production run, a testament to its popularity in the growing fiberglass sailboat market of the era.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its relatively small size, the Columbia 24 Contender has garnered a reputation for robust sailing performance and forgiving handling. Owners frequently commend its sturdy build, noting its ability to sail effectively even in rough weather conditions. With a fin keel and a masthead sloop rig, the Contender is described as very stable, making it a suitable boat for single-handed sailing. Anecdotal accounts suggest the boat can be surprisingly nimble and fast, with some owners even reporting success in regattas. Its design allows it to "bury the rail, slows down, and spills air" when pressed, indicating a stable and controllable response to gusts, preventing excessive heeling while maintaining a good sense of balance.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Columbia 24 Contender, while compact, was designed to provide essential cruising amenities within its 24-foot length. Relying on its short cabin trunk design, the layout typically features a V-berth forward, which serves as the primary sleeping area. A small galley area is usually found, likely with provisions for a stove and a sink, though specific details can vary between individual boats based on owner customizations or original options.

The salon typically includes opposing settees, offering seating and potentially converting into additional berths. Headroom is generally limited, a common characteristic for boats of this size and era. Storage is often provided through lockers and shelving integrated into the interior fiberglass liner and wood trim. Ventilation would typically be managed via a forward hatch and possibly small opening ports. While specific details on the finish quality from reviews are limited, Columbia Yachts' overall ethos during this period favored comfortable interiors, suggesting practical and serviceable finishes for the time.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Columbia 24 Contender consistently highlight its robust construction as a major strength. Many appreciate its solid fiberglass hull and its capability to endure challenging sea states, with some even having sailed them successfully in the Gulf of Mexico, along the Atlantic coast, and in the Pacific. The boat's inherent stability and ease of handling, particularly for single-handed operation, are frequently praised attributes. Its "fast" nature and ability to perform well in casual racing are also mentioned by enthusiastic owners.

While specific common weaknesses or maintenance issues are not widely detailed in general reviews, as with many older fiberglass boats, potential owners should be mindful of typical age-related considerations such as the condition of original deck fittings, which might require re-bedding, and the integrity of older through-hull fittings. Overall, the collective sentiment among owners points to the Columbia 24 Contender as a durable, dependable, and enjoyable small cruiser.