Neptune 24 CB Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Capital Yachts Corporation, founded in 1971 by Jon Williams and Bill Smith, built the Neptune 24 CB as part of their "Neptune" series, complementing their popular Newport and Gulf lines. The company was known for rejuvenating and expanding existing fleets, leveraging their experience to create durable, low-maintenance fiberglass boats. The Neptune 24 CB, an in-house design by Capital Yachts Inc., commenced production in 1978 and was manufactured from their plant in Harbor City, California. Production continued through at least the mid-1980s, likely until Capital Yachts ceased operations in 1996.

The design ethos behind the Neptune 24 CB focused on practicality and versatility. Its defining feature is the keel/centerboard hull type, allowing for a minimum draft of 2.0 feet with the board up and a maximum draft of 3.5 feet with it extended. This design facilitates access to shallow anchorages and enables easier trailering, a significant advantage for many owners. While the Neptune 24 CB features a centerboard, a related model, the Neptune 24 FK (Fixed Keel), was also offered, sometimes with a "tall rig" option, indicating Capital Yachts' efforts to cater to slightly different sailing preferences within the same foundational design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Neptune 24 CB is characterized as a light sailboat that delivers good performance for its size. Its masthead sloop rig provides a reported total sail area of 250 square feet. With a displacement of 3,200 pounds and a ballast of 1,200 pounds, the boat is generally considered stable and stiff, capable of standing up to a decent breeze.

The centerboard keel contributes significantly to the boat's handling characteristics, offering improved windward performance when deployed and reduced draft for maneuvering in skinny waters when retracted. Anecdotal accounts suggest the Neptune 24 CB handles well, providing a balanced feel at the helm. While primarily designed as a cruiser, its compact size and responsive nature make it suitable for day-sailing, offering an enjoyable experience across various conditions. Its hull speed is calculated at 6.14 knots, suggesting respectable performance for its length.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length overall of 24 feet, the Neptune 24 CB offers practical accommodations suitable for weekend cruising or extended day trips. The interior layout typically features a forward V-berth for sleeping, which can often convert into a small dining area. Moving aft, a compact galley area is usually found, providing basic amenities like a sink and perhaps space for a portable stove. The boat carries a water capacity of 15 gallons, supporting basic onboard needs.

While specific headroom details are not widely documented, interiors of boats in this class are generally designed to maximize available space, often with a pop-top or limited standing room in the main cabin area. Owners have noted the interior as being "really good for the price" and appreciate its functional design. Storage solutions would include under-berth lockers and small compartments to manage gear. The construction quality, being solid fiberglass for both hull and deck, ensures durability, though the interior finish would reflect the era's common use of materials, likely combining fiberglass liners with some wood trim.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Neptune 24 CB generally praise its solid construction and the overall value it offers as an accessible cruising sailboat. Many appreciate the robust fiberglass build, which has allowed these boats to endure decades of use. The versatility afforded by the centerboard design is a frequently highlighted strength, enabling exploration of diverse waterways not accessible to deeper-draft vessels.

As with any sailboat of its vintage, common maintenance items arise. Owners occasionally discuss issues related to the aging of original components, such as the need to address faded interior finishes or repair entry systems. Despite these typical age-related considerations, the active community of Neptune 24 owners on various online forums underscores the lasting appeal and durability of these Capital Yachts vessels, with owners often seeking advice and sharing experiences to keep their boats sailing. The sentiment often points to the Neptune 24 CB as a reliable and enjoyable boat for those seeking a capable and practical small cruiser.