Designed by Dave Westphal in the early 1970s, this compact cruiser represents an interesting chapter in American small boat manufacturing. Built by Friendship Manufacturing Co. from 1973 to 1980, only 60 examples of this fiberglass sloop ever left the factory, making it a relatively rare find on today's used boat market. The Terrapin 24's most distinctive feature is its swing keel configuration, which allows the 5-foot draft to be reduced significantly for shallow water exploration or trailering. This versatility opens up cruising grounds that would be inaccessible to fixed-keel boats of similar size. The fractional sloop rig provides good sail handling characteristics, while the modest sail area suggests this design prioritizes comfort and stability over racing performance. With a displacement of 2,050 pounds and an 8-foot beam, the Terrapin 24 offers reasonable stability for coastal cruising and protected waters sailing. The low comfort ratio of 9.27 indicates a relatively light, quick-motion boat that would be better suited for day sailing and weekend cruising rather than extended offshore passages. The swing keel design makes this an appealing choice for sailors seeking a pocket cruiser capable of exploring shallow bays, rivers, and coastal areas where traditional deep-draft boats cannot venture.
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What is the Terrapin 24's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Terrapin 24 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 21.47. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Terrapin 24's comfort ratio?
The Terrapin 24 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 9.27. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Terrapin 24 safe for offshore sailing?
The Terrapin 24 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.52. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Terrapin 24?
The theoretical hull speed of the Terrapin 24 is 6.00 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Terrapin 24 weigh?
The Terrapin 24 has a displacement of 2,050.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 24.50 ft.
Who designed the Terrapin 24?
The Terrapin 24 was designed by Dave Westphal, first built in 1973.