Columbia 7.6 Sailboats for Sale & Market Overview

Drawing Diagram

Builder drawing

Hull type

Monohull · fin

Rig

Masthead Sloop

LOA

25.08' · 7.64 m

Displ.

4,500 lbs · 2,041 kg

First year

1976

The Columbia 7.6 represents a significant pivot point in the history of Columbia Yachts, marking the transition from the sleek, traditional aesthetics of Sparkman & Stephens to the more voluminous, "widebody" design philosophy of Australian naval architect Alan Payne. Introduced in 1976 during the Whittaker Corporation era, the 7.6 was part of a prestigious "metric series" that included the 8.3, 8.7, 9.6, and 10.7 models. This move aimed to maximize interior volume and stability, catering to a growing market of family cruisers who prioritized "livability" over pure racing lines. The 7.6, roughly 25 feet in length, was a standout for its era, boasting a beam of 9 feet 2 inches—a dimension typically reserved for boats in the 30foot range. This design choice gave the boat an unmistakable silhouette characterized by high freeboard and a distinct "bubble" coachroof, which the Columbia Yachts Heritage history identifies as part of the brand's evolution toward becoming one of the largest production builders in the world.