Balboa 24

Designed by the collaborative team of Shad Turner and William Downing, this compact 24-footer emerged in 1981 as a well-balanced coastal cruiser built by Laguna Yachts and later Coastal Recreation Inc. The fiberglass construction features a fin keel with transom-hung rudder configuration, creating responsive handling characteristics that make her equally at home day sailing or weekend cruising. With a displacement of 2,600 pounds and 900 pounds of ballast, the Balboa 24 strikes an appealing balance between stability and performance. Her fractional sloop rig carries 220 square feet of sail area, providing spirited sailing without being overwhelming for a small crew. The 8.33-foot beam offers surprising interior space for her size, while the 2.92-foot draft allows access to shallow anchorages and launching ramps. The comfort ratio of 11.32 reflects her motion in a seaway—quick but not uncomfortable for coastal adventures. Her capsize screening value of 2.43 indicates solid stability for protected waters and moderate offshore conditions. This design appeals to sailors seeking an affordable, trailerable boat capable of genuine cruising performance rather than just day sailing, making her particularly attractive to those transitioning from smaller dinghies to more substantial sailing.

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