Designed by Grahame Shannon in 1983, this compact cruiser stands out in the 24-foot category with its traditional gaffhead sloop rig and robust steel or aluminum construction. The Tom Thumb 24 embodies classic sailing aesthetics while delivering practical performance for coastal cruising and extended passages. The boat's long keel configuration provides excellent directional stability and predictable handling characteristics, making it particularly appealing to traditionalists and those seeking a forgiving sailing experience. With a substantial displacement of 7,900 pounds and generous ballast ratio, this design prioritizes seaworthiness over outright speed, reflected in its impressive comfort ratio of 26.99 that indicates exceptional motion comfort in choppy conditions. The gaff rig offers several advantages including easier sail handling, lower center of effort, and the ability to carry effective square sails for downwind passages. Combined with the steel or aluminum construction, these features make the Tom Thumb 24 well-suited for serious coastal cruising and short-handed sailing. Available as plans from various sources, this design appeals to amateur builders seeking a proven offshore-capable vessel. The capsize screening formula of 1.91 suggests good stability characteristics, while the moderate sail area provides manageable power for extended cruising adventures.
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What is the Tom Thumb 24's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Tom Thumb 24 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 14.16. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Tom Thumb 24's comfort ratio?
The Tom Thumb 24 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 26.99. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Tom Thumb 24 safe for offshore sailing?
The Tom Thumb 24 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.91. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Tom Thumb 24?
The theoretical hull speed of the Tom Thumb 24 is 6.29 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Tom Thumb 24 weigh?
The Tom Thumb 24 has a displacement of 7,900.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 23.83 ft.
Who designed the Tom Thumb 24?
The Tom Thumb 24 was designed by Grahame Shannon, first built in 1983.