Built during the mid-1960s by Columbia Yachts, this Charles Morgan design represents a classic example of American cruising yacht philosophy from that era. With only 39 hulls produced between 1965 and 1967, the Columbia 38 has become a sought-after vessel among traditionalists who appreciate solid construction and seaworthy characteristics. The modified full keel configuration provides excellent tracking and stability, making this boat particularly well-suited for coastal cruising and extended offshore passages. Her generous displacement of 14,000 pounds, combined with a substantial ballast ratio, creates a forgiving platform that handles heavy weather with confidence. The masthead sloop rig delivers manageable sail handling while providing adequate power for her size. Morgan's design emphasizes seaworthiness over speed, evident in the boat's impressive comfort ratio of 31.12, which indicates exceptional motion comfort in seaway conditions. The capsize screening formula of 1.77 falls well within accepted parameters for offshore work, reflecting the designer's commitment to safety and stability. While not a performance boat by modern standards, the Columbia 38 excels as a capable cruiser for sailors who prioritize comfort, reliability, and traditional sailing characteristics over racing potential.
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What is the Columbia 38's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Columbia 38 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 17.97. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Columbia 38's comfort ratio?
The Columbia 38 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 31.12. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Columbia 38 safe for offshore sailing?
The Columbia 38 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.77. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Columbia 38?
The theoretical hull speed of the Columbia 38 is 6.80 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Columbia 38 weigh?
The Columbia 38 has a displacement of 14,000.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 38.92 ft.
How much does a used Columbia 38 cost?
Based on 5 recent market listings, used Columbia 38 sailboats typically sell for between $24,750 and $25,300, with a median asking price of $25,000. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the Columbia 38?
The Columbia 38 was designed by Charles Morgan, first built in 1965.