The Columbia 5.5 stands as a testament to the early 1960s' fascination with translating Olympic-style racing performance into a production fiberglass package accessible to the average sailor. Designed by Joseph McGlasson and introduced in 1962, the model was inspired by the International 5.5 Metre Class—a prestigious development rule used in Olympic competition from 1952 to 1968. However, unlike the pure racing machines of the International Class, the Columbia 5.5 was engineered as a "weekend racer," offering a blend of high-performance keelboat characteristics with a minimalist cuddy cabin. According to the Columbia Yachts Official History, the 5.5 was one of the foundational models that helped the company establish its dominance in the burgeoning fiberglass market.
Columbia 5.5 Sailboats for Sale & Market Overview
- Make
- Columbia
- Model
- 5.5
- Builder
- Columbia Yachts
- Designer
- Sigurd Herburn/Columbia Yachts
- Number Built
- 50
- Production Year(s)
- 1963 - 1965
Below are the most recent Columbia 5.5 sailboat listings (up to 10).
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| Source | Year | Make | Model | Price | Cabins | Heads | City | Country | Listing Date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DISCLAIMER: We are not affiliated with any external listing websites in any way. We simply aggregate publicly available listings to make it easier for buyers to find sailboats for sale. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the listings, so please verify all information with the seller before making any decisions.
Market Overview
| Model | LOA | Median Price (USD) | Listings | Recent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contessa 26 | 25.5' | $10,648 | 16 | 7 |
| X-Yachts X-55 | 55' | $502,877 | 12 | 6 |
| Solaris 55 | 54.79' | $1,231,064 | 12 | 2 |
| Carter 33 | 32.58' | $32,986 | 9 | 5 |
| Sparkman & Stephens 30 | 30.5' | $35,000 | 7 | 2 |
| Nautor Swan Swan 55 CC | 54.98' | $2,179,437 | 5 | 4 |
| Swan 55-S&S-1970 | 54.63' | $559,585 | 4 | 0 |
| Luders Luders 33 | 33' | $20,000 | 4 | 2 |
| Columbia 8.7 | 28.58' | $11,450 | 2 | 0 |
| Frauscher H-Boat | 27.25' | $10,485 | 1 | 0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are similar sailboats to the Columbia 5.5?
- Comparable models include the Contessa 26, X-Yachts X-55, Solaris 55. See the comparison table above for pricing and availability.