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Gladiator 24
Designer: William Lapworth  ·  Builder: Continental Plastics Corp. (Usa)  ·  First built: 1958
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About the Gladiator 24

Designed by renowned naval architect William Lapworth in 1958, this classic 24-footer represents an early example of fiberglass construction excellence from Continental Plastics Corp. Lapworth's design philosophy emphasized seaworthiness and performance, qualities that shine through in the Gladiator's well-balanced proportions and thoughtful engineering. With its fractional sloop rig and fin keel configuration, the Gladiator 24 delivers responsive sailing characteristics that appeal to both weekend cruisers and club racers. The substantial displacement of 3,850 pounds, combined with 2,050 pounds of ballast, creates exceptional stability and sea-keeping abilities for a boat this size. This generous ballast ratio contributes to confident sailing in varying conditions. The boat's moderate beam and draft make it suitable for coastal cruising and protected waters, while the comfortable cockpit and cabin accommodate short-term cruising for small crews. Racing enthusiasts appreciate the boat's clean underwater profile and efficient sail plan, which generate competitive performance in one-design or PHRF fleets. Built during the pioneering era of production fiberglass sailboats, the Gladiator 24 has earned a reputation for solid construction and enduring value. Its classic lines and proven seaworthiness continue to attract sailors seeking traditional sailing qualities in an affordable, manageable package.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 24.00 ft / 7.32 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 20.00 ft / 6.10 m
Beam 7.50 ft / 2.29 m
Max Draft 4.00 ft / 1.22 m
Displacement 3,850.00 lb / 1,746 kg
Ballast 2,050.00 lb / 930 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 277.00 ft² / 25.73 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin Keel
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer William Lapworth
Builder Continental Plastics Corp. (USA)
First Built 1958
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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
 255
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 18.09
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 53.25
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 214.84
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 19.16
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 1.92
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 5.99 kn
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 2.65
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 535.97 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 18.07
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 26.75 ft / 8.15 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 9.00 ft / 2.74 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 30.50 ft / 9.30 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 10.25 ft / 3.12 m
SA Fore 120.38 ft² / 11.18 m²
SA Main 156.31 ft² / 14.52 m²
SA Total (100%) 276.69 ft² / 25.71 m²
Est. Forestay Length 28.22 ft / 8.60 m
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