Columbia 39 Constellation Information, Review, Specs

The Columbia 39 Constellation emerged during a period of significant growth for Columbia Yachts, which had rapidly transitioned from a fiberglass laminating company to a major production yacht builder. Established by Richard "Dick" Valdes in 1958, Columbia Yachts (originally Glas Laminates) became known for its innovative use of fiberglass, focusing on durable and comfortable designs. The Constellation, produced from 1966 to 1967, represents a larger offering in their early lineup.

Designed by Charles Morgan, the Columbia 39 Constellation featured a fin keel and spade rudder, a common configuration for cruisers of its era, aimed at providing a balance of directional stability and maneuverability. Interestingly, while promotional literature for the model did not explicitly list design credit, later records confirm Morgan's involvement, and similarities to the earlier Columbia 40 have been noted. An important distinction for this model is that it should not be confused with a later, entirely different Columbia 39 introduced in 1970. In a nod to versatility, Columbia also offered a keel/centerboard version of the 39 Constellation, although neither version was built in large numbers.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Columbia 39 Constellation's design, characterized by a length overall of just over 39 feet and a waterline length of approximately 25.75 feet, suggests a vessel built for comfortable passage-making rather than outright speed. Her displacement of 15,000 pounds, combined with 6,400 pounds of lead ballast, results in a high ballast-to-displacement ratio of around 0.42. This significant ballast contribution indicates a very stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to a considerable amount of wind and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway.

With a calculated sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 17.75, the Columbia 39 Constellation is positioned as a moderate performer. While not optimized for light-air speed, this ratio suggests a boat that will move well in a breeze and maintain good control. Furthermore, her high displacement-to-length ratio, calculated at approximately 392, firmly places her in the heavy displacement category. This characteristic points to a traditional cruiser, known for a powerful and comfortable ride, particularly in heavier conditions, rather than a nimble, light-displacement racer. The fin keel and spade rudder contribute to her steering and control.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed interior diagrams for the Columbia 39 Constellation are not widely publicized, reviews and owner accounts suggest a spacious and well-arranged cabin for a boat of her size and era. The cabin is noted for its "nice layout" and impressive interior volume, with some owners reporting ample headroom, exceeding 6 feet 5 inches, which contributes significantly to comfort below deck.

Typical for cruisers of the mid-20th century, the Constellation's interior likely featured a conventional arrangement with a forward V-berth, a main salon with settees and a table, a galley area, and a navigation station or quarter berth. The emphasis for Columbia Yachts during this period was on delivering comfortable interiors suitable for extended cruising, often utilizing wood trim and solid fiberglass construction to achieve a robust and appealing finish.

Owner's Perspectives

Given the very limited production run of only seven units, extensive owner reviews specifically for the Columbia 39 Constellation are scarce. However, general sentiment from owners of Columbia yachts from this era often praises their solid fiberglass construction and overall durability, a hallmark of the builder's philosophy. The generous interior volume, including the notable headroom, would likely be a significant advantage and appreciated feature for any Constellation owner.