Columbia 27 Information, Review, Specs

The Columbia 27 emerged during a period of significant expansion for Columbia Yachts, which, under the leadership of Richard Valdes, had quickly become a pioneer in fiberglass boat construction. Production of the Columbia 27 began in 1970, continuing until the original iteration of Columbia Yachts ceased operations in 1978. William H. Tripp Jr., the designer, was a prominent naval architect known for creating popular and successful sailboat designs that often balanced performance with comfortable cruising characteristics. His philosophy typically aimed for seaworthy vessels appealing to a broad range of sailors. The Columbia 27, with its fin keel and spade rudder, embodied this approach, designed for ease of handling and reliable performance. While the core design remained consistent, the Columbia 27 was noted to be based on the same hull as the Columbia 26 Mk II and bears resemblance to the Coronado 27, suggesting a successful underlying hull form was adapted for different models. After the original Columbia Yachts' production concluded, some models, including a Hughes-Columbia 27 designed by Alan Payne, were later produced by Hughes Boat Works in Canada, though these were distinct from the original Tripp design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Columbia 27 is characterized by a design that prioritizes stability and a comfortable motion. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 14.71, she possesses moderate sail power, suggesting a decent performance in lighter winds but not an emphasis on pure speed. Her Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of about 0.449 indicates a relatively high ballast-to-weight percentage, contributing significantly to her stiffness and stability, allowing her to stand up well to a breeze and providing a reassuring motion in a seaway. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of around 255.7 positions her as a medium-heavy cruiser, implying a solid and comfortable ride rather than a lightweight, nimble racer. Owners have often described the Columbia 27 as a stable and stiff boat with good righting capability, making her well-suited for coastal cruising. Her hull design, described as "slightly more speedy" than many contemporaries, contributes to her generally positive handling characteristics. The masthead sloop rig provides a straightforward and manageable sail plan.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed original interior layouts for the Columbia 27 can be challenging to find, the design generally reflects the typical arrangements of 27-foot fiberglass cruisers from the early 1970s. These boats often featured a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that could convert into berths, a small galley, and an enclosed head. Given her length overall of 26.67 feet and a beam of 8.5 feet, the interior would have offered functional, albeit compact, living spaces for weekend cruising or short coastal trips. Materials typically included a blend of fiberglass and wood trim, reflecting the common construction practices of the era for production boats. Storage would have been adequate for a boat of its size, usually in lockers beneath berths and shelves. Headroom, while not explicitly detailed in all specifications, would have been sufficient for most individuals to move comfortably within the main salon area.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Columbia 27 generally praise the boat's solid construction and its ability to handle various sea states with a comfortable motion. Many appreciate its inherent stability and stiffness, which provides confidence, particularly for coastal cruising. The Columbia 27's design is often considered reliable and forgiving, making it a suitable choice for both seasoned sailors and those looking for a manageable starter cruiser. The fact that Columbia models were often used as "bare boat charter packages" in their time further speaks to their robustness and user-friendliness. Common considerations for owners of these vintage vessels often revolve around the routine maintenance expected of any fiberglass boat from the 1970s, such as re-bedding deck fittings to prevent leaks or addressing the condition of original components. While specific recurring design flaws are not widely reported, like any older boat, careful inspection of the hull, deck, and original systems is prudent.