Designed by Bruce Kelley and first launched in 1978, this compact sloop represents a thoughtful approach to small boat cruising with its distinctive lifting keel configuration. Built by Intrepid Marine Services in fiberglass construction, the Kelley 24 offers versatility that appeals to sailors seeking shallow-water access without sacrificing sailing performance. The lifting keel system is the boat's standout feature, allowing draft adjustment from the full 5-foot depth for optimal sailing performance to a reduced draft for exploring shallow anchorages and launching from trailers. This flexibility makes it particularly well-suited for coastal cruising, lake sailing, and gunkholing adventures where traditional deep-keel boats cannot venture. With a displacement of 3,400 pounds and 268 square feet of sail area in a masthead sloop configuration, the design strikes a reasonable balance between stability and performance. The comfort ratio of 13.36 suggests a relatively stiff, quick motion that favors day sailing and weekend cruising over extended offshore passages. The capsize screening value of 2.45 indicates the boat falls within acceptable limits for coastal sailing in moderate conditions. Bruce Kelley's design philosophy emphasized practical sailing solutions, and this 24-footer delivers exactly that—a manageable, trailerable cruiser capable of exploring diverse sailing grounds while remaining easy to handle for small crews.
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