1971 Columbia 28 vs Dufour 36 Classic — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1971 Columbia 28 | Dufour 36 Classic |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Columbia | Dufour |
| Year | 1971–1977 | 1996–2003 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | William Crealock | Umberto Felci |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) | 10.90 m (35.8 ft) |
| LWL | 6.86 m (22.5 ft) | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) |
| Beam | 2.74 m (9.0 ft) | 3.50 m (11.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.22 m (4.0 ft) | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) | 6,200 kg (13,669 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,089 kg (2,401 lbs) | 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 31.2 m² (336 ft²) | 57.0 m² (614 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 10 HP | 27 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 38 L (10.0 gal) | 110 L (29.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1971 Columbia 28 and Dufour 36 Classic represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1971 Columbia 28 is a 1970s design by Columbia from USA, while the Dufour 36 Classic is a 1990s offering from Dufour from France. The 1971 Columbia 28 was penned by William Crealock. The Dufour 36 Classic was designed by Umberto Felci.
In terms of size, the 1971 Columbia 28 measures 8.53m (28.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.74m, compared to the Dufour 36 Classic at 10.90m (35.8ft) with a 3.50m beam. The Dufour 36 Classic is 2.37m longer than the 1971 Columbia 28. The Dufour 36 Classic displaces approximately 128% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1971 Columbia 28 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.26 and 31.2 m² of sail area. The Dufour 36 Classic, with an SA/D of 17.16 and 57.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Dufour 36 Classic has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1971 Columbia 28 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The Dufour 36 Classic has a comfort ratio of 18.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1971 Columbia 28 and 32.3% for the Dufour 36 Classic, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1971 Columbia 28 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L of water capacity and 38L of fuel. The Dufour 36 Classic offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 110L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1971 Columbia 28 is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.
For racing: The Dufour 36 Classic has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The Dufour 36 Classic offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 1971 Columbia 28 · Dufour 36 Classic