Rodgers 24 Information, Review, Specs

The Rodgers 24 began its production in 1981, designed by O.H. Rodgers. The boat's design philosophy leaned towards creating a lightweight, high-performance sailboat, reflecting the ethos of its eventual builder, Captiva Yachts. Captiva Yachts, co-founded by Richard Watkins, who brought significant experience from Watkins Yachts, specialized in efficient fiberglass construction. The Rodgers 24 later evolved into the Captiva 240, a model further developed and modified by Walter Scott, emphasizing its racing origins and performance focus. A distinguishing feature of the design is its centerboard keel, allowing for adjustable draft.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Rodgers 24, and its derivative Captiva 240, are regarded as decent sailing boats, designed with performance in mind. As a fractional sloop, it features smaller headsails which facilitate easier tacking, contributing to its responsive handling. The innovative centerboard keel is a key element of its versatility, allowing the boat to navigate both coastal and inland waters with a minimum draft of 1.5 feet. When the centerboard is fully deployed, the draft extends to 5.5 feet, enhancing upwind performance. Owners can retract the centerboard off the wind to reduce drag, optimizing speed. While the builder described Captiva Yachts' vessels as "highly stable and stiff," they were primarily suited for day sailing due to a lower righting capability if capsized.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length overall of 24 feet, the Rodgers 24, like its successor the Captiva 240, was designed to offer a surprisingly roomy interior for a boat of its size. While specific details of the original Rodgers 24 interior are less documented, the Captiva 240, a direct evolution, was noted for being able to sleep five people, suggesting a practical layout typical of small performance cruisers of the era. This would generally include a V-berth forward, a compact salon, and possibly quarter berths aft, providing essential amenities for weekend cruising or extended day sails. The construction primarily utilized solid fiberglass for both the hull and deck.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Rodgers 24 and Captiva 240 frequently praise their boats for their solid construction and robust build. The design is well-regarded for its comfortable motion and nimble sailing characteristics. The shallow draft afforded by the centerboard keel is a significant advantage, making the boat a capable trailer-sailer and allowing access to shallower anchorages and marinas. However, owners occasionally note that the centerboard box may require maintenance over time, as suggested by discussions around rebuilding this component. The boat's strong community of owners actively shares information and advice, highlighting its enduring appeal among sailing enthusiasts seeking a responsive and versatile small cruiser.