"The C-56 was a motor-sailor based on the Columbia 57 hull. Columbia added a plug to the mold to create a different transom and then fitted a center cockpit motorsailor deck. The C-57's trim tab on the aft edge of the keel was made a solid part of the keel on the C-56.
The sail plan was labeled a cutter rigged ketch although the mizzen mast was almost over the rudder post. Columbia chose this configuration to ease sail handling in keeping with the motorsailor philosophy. The mainmast was cut down about 3 ft. from the C-57 and the staysail was club-footed making it self-tending.
Columbia built each C-56 to order. There was a standard interior layout, but the all-plywood construction made it easy to modify the plan to satisfy each customer's requirements.
The C-56 was reported to be a nice sailing craft - especially for a motor sailor. Columbia evidently made a good decision to base the model on the C-57, a nice sailor in its own right."
