Balaton 24 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Balaton 24 commenced in 1966 and continued through 1974. The boat's construction during this era likely leveraged the robust manufacturing capabilities of its parent company, the Hungarian Shipyards & Crane Factory, an entity with deep roots in heavy industry dating back through various amalgamations to 1896. While the broader factory focused on maritime vessels and floating cranes, its foray into recreational sailing under the "Balaton Boats" moniker around 1970 was driven by the burgeoning sailing culture on Lake Balaton.

Gunnar Cardell, the designer of the Balaton 24, appears to have prioritized a "significantly more speedy hull design" for the vessel. This aligns with the overall design philosophy of Balaton Boats, which aimed to create yachts that were "easy to manoeuvre and sailed fast, yet offered plenty of space" for their size, specifically catering to the characteristics of Lake Balaton. The Balaton 24 features a fin keel and a transom-hung rudder, along with a masthead sloop rigging, contributing to its performance-oriented profile.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Balaton 24 is characterized by a hull design chosen for its speed, suggesting a responsive and engaging sailing experience. As a masthead sloop with a fin keel, it is designed to offer efficient performance on the water. While primarily intended as a day-boat or cabin cruiser for daily use, its design elements indicate an emphasis on good handling characteristics. Although specific anecdotal accounts of its behavior in various sea states are not extensively documented, its general design points to a boat capable of providing enjoyable sailing, particularly on inland waters like Lake Balaton for which Balaton Boats primarily designed their vessels.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact size of just over 24 feet, the Balaton 24 is noted for offering a surprising amount of interior utility for its class. The boat is equipped with five berths, suggesting a layout designed to maximize sleeping capacity within its footprint. While specific details on the maximum headroom are not widely available, the focus on providing "plenty of space" in Balaton models generally implies a practical and functional interior. Based on common practices for boats of its era, the interior likely features a straightforward arrangement to accommodate its berths, catering to weekend cruising or extended day trips with crew.

Owner's Perspectives

The Balaton 24 continues to be sailed and maintained by a dedicated community of owners, particularly around Lake Balaton, highlighting the enduring appeal of its robust construction., 4] Discussions in online forums indicate that owners often seek information and share experiences regarding these boats, suggesting an active, albeit niche, ownership base. Anecdotal evidence from owners points to the vessels being structurally sound, even if individual examples may show signs of age or neglect. This underscores the Balaton 24's reputation as a well-built vessel that, with proper maintenance, can continue to provide reliable sailing for many years.