Bill Lapworth's Cal 24 represents a significant milestone in American sailboat design, introducing many recreational sailors to modern fiberglass construction when Jensen Marine launched production in 1958. This fractional sloop became one of the early success stories of the California boat building boom, with 184 hulls completed during its seven-year production run through 1965. The design strikes an appealing balance between performance and practicality, featuring Lapworth's characteristic clean lines and efficient sail plan. With 261 square feet of working sail and a SA/Displacement ratio of 20.13, the Cal 24 offers spirited performance for coastal sailing and weekend cruising. The moderate displacement of 3,000 pounds, supported by 1,000 pounds of ballast, provides stability while maintaining reasonable trailering weight. The boat's 4.50-foot draft and keel/centerboard configuration make it versatile for exploring shallow waters while maintaining good upwind performance. A comfort ratio of 13.6 suggests this is primarily a daysailer and coastal cruiser rather than an offshore passage maker. The hull speed of 6 knots and capsize screening value of 2.22 confirm its suitability for protected waters and near-coastal sailing, making it an excellent choice for sailors seeking classic aesthetics with manageable size.
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What is the Cal 24's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Cal 24 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 20.13. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Cal 24's comfort ratio?
The Cal 24 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 13.6. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Cal 24 safe for offshore sailing?
The Cal 24 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.22. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Cal 24?
The theoretical hull speed of the Cal 24 is 6.00 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Cal 24 weigh?
The Cal 24 has a displacement of 3,000.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 24.39 ft.
Who designed the Cal 24?
The Cal 24 was designed by Bill Lapworth, first built in 1958.