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Columbia 24
Designer: J. Mcglasson  ·  Builder: Glass Laminates  ·  First built: 1962
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About the Columbia 24

Originally introduced in the 1960s as part of Columbia's popular line of affordable fiberglass sailboats, this 24-footer carved out a solid reputation among weekend sailors and new boat owners seeking their first keelboat experience. Built during an era when Columbia Yachts was actively expanding the sailing market by offering well-constructed boats at accessible price points, the Columbia 24 became a common sight in harbors across America. Designed primarily for coastal cruising and daysailing, this boat strikes a practical balance between comfort and performance. Her moderate beam and traditional lines provide stable sailing characteristics that inspire confidence in novice sailors while still offering enough responsiveness to keep experienced crew engaged. The cockpit accommodates a small crew comfortably, while the cabin provides basic overnight accommodations for weekend getaways. The Columbia 24's fiberglass construction has proven durable over the decades, with many examples still actively sailing today. Her forgiving nature and predictable handling make her particularly well-suited for sailing instruction, family outings, and those looking to develop their skills in protected waters. While not built for serious offshore work, she handles coastal conditions with aplomb and represents solid value in the vintage sailboat market.

Market Price Estimate Beta
$16,000 – $16,000
typical asking price
Median $16,000  ·  6 listings used
All listings
$16,000 – $16,000 6
Rate a listing price
$
About this estimate
  • Prices are based on recent asking prices from public listings — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
  • Condition is not factored in. A well-maintained boat with new sails and engine can be worth significantly more than a project boat of the same model.
  • Location affects price. Boats in landlocked states or areas with fewer buyers often sell for less than those on the coast.
  • Year of manufacture is not filtered. Older examples of this model will generally be priced lower than newer ones.
  • Included equipment varies widely. A boat with a full suite of electronics, dodger, and new standing rigging may command a large premium.
  • Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering to improve accuracy, but some bad data may remain.
Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 24.33 ft / 7.42 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 18.00 ft / 5.49 m
Beam 8.00 ft / 2.44 m
Max Draft 3.33 ft / 1.01 m
Displacement 4,050.00 lb / 1,837 kg
Ballast 1,800.00 lb / 816 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 285.00 ft² / 26.48 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer J. McGlasson
Builder Glass Laminates
First Built 1962
Last Built 1964
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Known Issues & What to Watch For

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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
 258
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 18
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 19.71
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 2.01
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 5.69
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 514.53
Find a Columbia 24 For Sale
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