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Sailboat Specifications

Columbia 29 Defender

Masthead Sloop · Long Keel

Designed by Sparkman & Stephens · Built by Columbia Yachts (Usa) · First built 1963

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LOA 28.50 ft  ·  Beam 8.00 ft  ·  Displacement 8,400.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 388  ·  Masthead Sloop  ·  Long Keel
About the Columbia 29 Defender Sailboat

Built during Columbia's productive era of fiberglass sailboat manufacturing, this 29-footer represents the yard's approach to creating affordable yet capable coastal cruisers. The Defender carries the classic proportions and styling that characterized Columbia's fleet during this period, with a moderate beam and traditional sailplan that prioritized ease of handling over cutting-edge performance. Like many Columbia designs from this generation, the Defender was engineered with the weekend sailor in mind, offering a practical balance between comfort and sailing ability. The boat's construction reflects the builder's focus on delivering solid value through proven materials and straightforward engineering approaches that kept costs reasonable while maintaining structural integrity. The design lends itself well to coastal cruising and daysailing, with accommodations that can handle short-term cruising adventures. Columbia boats from this era developed a reputation for being forgiving and predictable under sail, making them popular choices for sailors seeking reliable performance without excessive complexity. While not breaking new ground in yacht design, the Defender embodies the practical sailing philosophy that made Columbia a recognizable name in the recreational sailing market, particularly among sailors prioritizing dependability and affordability over racing-oriented features.

Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 28.50 ft / 8.69 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 22.50 ft / 6.86 m
Beam 8.00 ft / 2.44 m
Max Draft 4.00 ft / 1.22 m
Displacement 8,400.00 lb / 3,810 kg
Ballast 4,120.00 lb / 1,869 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 388
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Sparkman & Stephens
Builder Columbia Yachts (USA)
First Built 1963
Last Built 1969
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Columbia 29 Defender's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Columbia 29 Defender has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 15.07. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Columbia 29 Defender's comfort ratio?

The Columbia 29 Defender has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 33.47. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Columbia 29 Defender safe for offshore sailing?

The Columbia 29 Defender has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.58. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Columbia 29 Defender?

The theoretical hull speed of the Columbia 29 Defender is 6.36 knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Columbia 29 Defender weigh?

The Columbia 29 Defender has a displacement of 8,400.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 28.50 ft.

Who designed the Columbia 29 Defender?

The Columbia 29 Defender was designed by Sparkman & Stephens, first built in 1963.