Columbia 32 Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Columbia 32 in the mid-1970s aligned with Columbia Yachts' significant presence in the burgeoning fiberglass sailboat industry. The company, founded by Richard "Dick" Valdes, was a pioneer in adopting fiberglass for boat construction, known for its durable and low-maintenance vessels. During this period, Columbia had expanded significantly, even acquiring Coronado Yachts and venturing into kit boats with Sailcrafter Custom Yachts, which explains the Columbia 32's rebadging. The Columbia 32 itself is reported to be an extended version of the earlier Columbia 30. While specific design philosophies from William H. Tripp Jr. regarding the Columbia 32 are not widely detailed, Tripp was renowned for designing comfortable, performance-oriented cruising yachts. Columbia Yachts, as a builder, emphasized collaborations with esteemed designers like Tripp to ensure their models offered good performance and seaworthiness. No major production variations, such as MkI or MkII versions, are commonly noted for the Columbia 32, though the variations in branding (Coronado 32, Sailcrafter 32) reflect the company's marketing strategies of the time.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Columbia 32 is designed as a masthead sloop with a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, a configuration typical for cruising boats of its era aiming for a balance of performance and directional stability. Her sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 18.31 suggests a boat with adequate power for light air conditions, while still being manageable when the wind builds. With a ballast to displacement ratio of roughly 0.428, she possesses a substantial amount of ballast relative to her overall weight, indicating a stiff and stable platform capable of standing up to a good breeze and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. Her displacement to length ratio, calculated at around 226.7, positions the Columbia 32 as a moderately heavy cruiser, suggesting a solid build and a motion that prioritizes comfort over pure speed in most conditions. Anecdotal accounts from owners of similar Columbia models from that period describe them as "fast, weatherly, simple and just enough overbuilt," suggesting a robust and capable sailing vessel.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom dimensions for the Columbia 32 are not available in the provided data, the design as a 32-foot cruising sailboat from this era typically implies comfortable accommodations suitable for extended stays aboard. Information for the closely related Coronado 32 suggests an interior designed for practicality and charm, offering a cozy layout. Reviewing interior arrangement plans available for the Columbia 32 and Coronado 32 indicates a traditional layout likely featuring a V-berth forward, a head compartment, a main salon with settees that convert to berths, and a galley area. Columbia Yachts was known for building yachts with comfortable interiors, often employing wood trim and a solid fiberglass hull, suggesting a durable and inviting living space below decks.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Columbia sailboats from this period often value their solid construction and robust build quality. Discussions within sailing communities indicate a loyal following for the Columbia brand, with owners appreciating the straightforward and reliable nature of these vessels. While specific recurring weaknesses for the Columbia 32 are not prominently documented, general issues common to boats of this vintage often relate to aging systems and components, such as original plumbing or electrical wiring, rather than fundamental design or construction flaws. The sentiment generally points towards a boat that is "trusted" and capable for its intended purpose.