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J24
Designer: Rodney S. Johnstone  ·  Builder: J Boats Tillotson Pearson  ·  First built: 1977
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About the J24

Rod Johnstone's iconic J24 revolutionized keelboat racing when it debuted in 1977, becoming one of the most successful one-design sailboats ever produced. This 24-foot sloop struck the perfect balance between performance and accessibility, making competitive racing available to sailors who couldn't afford larger, more expensive boats. Built for speed and responsive handling, the J24 features a moderate displacement hull with clean lines and a efficient sail plan that rewards good technique. The boat's relatively simple systems and straightforward layout make it an excellent platform for developing racing skills, while its forgiving nature won't punish minor mistakes too harshly. The J24 truly shines in fleet racing and one-design competition, where tactical sailing and crew work matter more than equipment advantages. Its active class association maintains strict construction standards, ensuring fair competition worldwide. With thousands built over four decades, the J24 has cultivated a passionate global community of racers. While primarily designed for racing, the J24 handles coastal cruising adequately for weekend adventures. However, limited accommodations and minimal creature comforts make it less suitable for extended cruising compared to boats designed specifically for that purpose.

Market Price Estimate Beta
$1,500 – $11,000
typical asking price · boat only
Median $2,500  ·  7 listings used
Boat only
$1,500 – $11,000 7
With trailer
$3,300 – $6,500 3
Rate a listing price
$
About this estimate
  • Prices are based on recent asking prices from public listings — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
  • Condition is not factored in. A well-maintained boat with new sails and engine can be worth significantly more than a project boat of the same model.
  • Location affects price. Boats in landlocked states or areas with fewer buyers often sell for less than those on the coast.
  • Year of manufacture is not filtered. Older examples of this model will generally be priced lower than newer ones.
  • Included equipment varies widely. A boat with a full suite of electronics, dodger, and new standing rigging may command a large premium.
  • Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering to improve accuracy, but some bad data may remain.
Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 24.00 ft / 7.32 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 20.00 ft / 6.10 m
Beam 8.90 ft / 2.71 m
Max Draft 4.00 ft / 1.22 m
Displacement 3,100.00 lb / 1,406 kg
Ballast 950.00 lb / 431 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 262.00 ft² / 24.34 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/transom hung rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG balsa cored hull & deck
Designer Rodney S. Johnstone
Builder J Boats Tillotson Pearson
First Built 1977
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
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
19.77
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
12.29
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
2.44
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
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
3.39
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. 636.01
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 26.25
J (Foretriangle Base) 9.5
P (Mainsail Luff) 28.0
E (Mainsail Foot) 9.75
SA Fore 124.69
SA Main 136.5
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