Back to Search
Shark 24
Designer: George Hinterhoeller  ·  Builder: Hinterhoeller Yachts Ltd.  ·  First built: 1959
+ Add to Compare
About the Shark 24

A popular choice among club racers and daysailors in Canada, the Shark 24 has built a loyal following since its introduction in the 1960s. Designed by George Hinterhoeller, who would later go on to create the celebrated Niagara line of sailboats, this compact keelboat was conceived as an accessible and competitive one-design racer that could also serve as a capable daysailer for families and recreational sailors alike. The Shark 24 is particularly well regarded within the Great Lakes sailing community, where active class associations have helped sustain strong fleets and a vibrant racing scene for decades. Its one-design heritage means that racing is decided by sailor skill rather than equipment advantage, making it an appealing platform for those looking to sharpen their racing instincts without significant investment. With its manageable size and stable keel configuration, the Shark 24 suits protected coastal and inland lake sailing rather than offshore passages. It remains a solid entry point into keelboat racing and a rewarding option for sailors who value competitive class racing, community, and the simplicity of a well-proven design.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 24.00 ft / 7.32 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 20.00 ft / 6.10 m
Beam 6.83 ft / 2.08 m
Max Draft 3.16 ft / 0.96 m
Displacement 2,200.00 lb / 998 kg
Ballast 675.00 lb / 306 kg
Ballast Type Iron
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/transom hung rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer George Hinterhoeller
Builder Hinterhoeller Yachts Ltd.
First Built 1959
Number Built 2500
Owner Reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.

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
236
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
30.68
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
122.77
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. 2.93 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 18.01
J (Foretriangle Base) 7.30 ft / 2.23 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 190.00 ft² / 17.65 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) 122.77
Find a Shark 24 For Sale