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Columbia 38 Cb
Designer: Charles Morgan  ·  Builder: Columbia Yachts (Usa)  ·  First built: 1965
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About the Columbia 38 Cb

Columbia Yachts built a solid reputation during the 1960s and 1970s for producing well-constructed fiberglass sailboats that offered good value for cruising sailors, and the Columbia 38 Cb continues this tradition. The "Cb" designation indicates this model features a centerboard configuration rather than a fixed keel, providing the flexibility to access shallow waters while maintaining reasonable sailing performance in deeper conditions. This design approach makes the boat particularly appealing for coastal cruising and gunkholing, where the ability to raise the centerboard opens up anchorages and waterways that would be off-limits to deeper-draft vessels. The centerboard system also allows for easier trailering and storage in areas with tidal restrictions. Built during Columbia's productive era, this 38-footer reflects the company's focus on practical cruising boats rather than cutting-edge racing machines. The construction typically emphasizes durability and interior volume over pure sailing performance, making it well-suited for extended coastal passages and comfortable live-aboard situations. While detailed specifications remain limited, boats of this vintage and type generally offer spacious accommodations and straightforward sailing characteristics that appeal to cruising couples and families seeking an affordable entry into larger sailboat ownership.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 38.92 ft / 11.86 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 26.50 ft / 8.08 m
Beam 10.67 ft / 3.25 m
Max Draft 8.92 ft / 2.72 m
Displacement 16,500.00 lb / 7,484 kg
Ballast 5,400.00 lb / 2,449 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Keel/CB & spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Charles Morgan
Builder Columbia Yachts (USA)
First Built 1965
Last Built 1967
Number Built 39
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Performance Ratios
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
32.73
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
395.82
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. 6.06 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 4.42 ft / 1.35 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 16.00 ft / 4.88 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 650.00 ft² / 60.39 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) Universal
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