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Thompson 24
Designer: Guy Thompson  ·  Builder: J.c.perfect /Thames Marine  ·  First built: 1968
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About the Thompson 24

A classic fiberglass production boat from the mid-twentieth century American sailing scene, the Thompson 24 emerged from Thompson Brothers Boat Manufacturing, a company better known for its runabouts and outboard craft. This modest daysailer and coastal cruiser represents an accessible entry point into keelboat sailing, appealing to beginners and budget-conscious sailors looking for a manageable, approachable vessel. With its straightforward design and relatively compact size, the Thompson 24 is well suited to protected waters, inland lakes, and calm coastal environments rather than demanding offshore passages. The boat offers enough space for relaxed daysailing or casual weekend outings with a small crew or family, while remaining simple enough to handle short-handed. Given the limited documentation surrounding this model, prospective buyers should approach any purchase with thorough hands-on inspection, as aging fiberglass construction and older hardware can vary considerably between examples. The Thompson 24 tends to attract sailors who appreciate vintage character and simplicity over modern performance. For those willing to invest time in maintenance and research, it can be a rewarding and charming classic to own.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 24.00 ft / 7.32 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 21.00 ft / 6.40 m
Beam 8.00 ft / 2.44 m
Max Draft 5.25 ft / 1.60 m
Displacement 6,000.00 lb / 2,722 kg
Ballast 1,500.00 lb / 680 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Guy Thompson
Builder J.C.Perfect /Thames Marine
First Built 1968
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Performance Ratios
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
26.53
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
1.76
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. 6.14
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. 600.28
How It Compares

vs. Columbia 24 Contender, Islander 24, Shark 24

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Thompson 24 ★
24.0 ft
Columbia 24 Contender
24.0 ft
Islander 24
24.0 ft
Shark 24
24.0 ft
LWL
Thompson 24 ★
21.0 ft
Columbia 24 Contender
18.3 ft
Islander 24
20.0 ft
Shark 24
20.0 ft
Beam
Thompson 24 ★
8.0 ft
Columbia 24 Contender
7.8 ft
Islander 24
7.8 ft
Shark 24
6.8 ft
Displacement
Thompson 24 ★
6 lbs
Columbia 24 Contender
3 lbs
Islander 24
3 lbs
Shark 24
2 lbs
Ballast
Thompson 24 ★
1 lbs
Columbia 24 Contender
1 lbs
Islander 24
1 lbs
Shark 24
675 lbs
Sail Area
Thompson 24 ★
Columbia 24 Contender
288 sq ft
Islander 24
294 sq ft
Shark 24
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Thompson 24 ★
Columbia 24 Contender
258 s/nm
Islander 24
237 s/nm
Shark 24
236 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Thompson 24 ★
Columbia 24 Contender
19.7
Islander 24
21.3
Shark 24
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Thompson 24 ★
Columbia 24 Contender
44.4 %
Islander 24
51.5 %
Shark 24
30.7 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Thompson 24 ★
26.5
Columbia 24 Contender
18.0
Islander 24
15.5
Shark 24
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Thompson 24 ★
1.76
Columbia 24 Contender
2.05
Islander 24
2.11
Shark 24
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Thompson 24 ★
Columbia 24 Contender
264
Islander 24
184
Shark 24
122
Hull Speed
Thompson 24 ★
6.1 kts
Columbia 24 Contender
5.7 kts
Islander 24
6.0 kts
Shark 24
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Thompson 24 ★
Columbia 24 Contender
2.3
Islander 24
3.2
Shark 24
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