San Juan 24 Information, Review, Specs

Embodying the Clark Boat Company's ethos of producing well-built, easily sailable, and value-driven fiberglass vessels, the San Juan 24 offered an appealing package for sailors seeking a versatile and engaging experience on the water.

The genesis of the San Juan 24 traces back to 1973, with its design by Bruce Kirby, who conceived it as an International Offshore Rule (IOR) quarter-ton prototype. Kirby's involvement with IOR designs was significant during this period, and the San Juan 24 quickly became known for its sleek lines and excellent performance, capturing the spirit of competitive sailing while also offering a comfortable cabin. The Clark Boat Company, founded by Bob Clark in 1960, was a pioneering builder of fiberglass sailboats known for its high-quality construction methods, including the application of gelcoat to a hull mold, followed by hand-laid fiberglass. This dedication to robust construction ensured the durability of the San Juan 24. While the exact end year of production is not specified in all records, the boat was built until approximately 1980. There were no widely noted significant variations such as MkI or MkII during its production run, though some owners have undertaken modifications, such as replacing rudders or keels.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The San Juan 24's design ratios suggest a performance-oriented vessel capable of exhilarating sailing. With a calculated Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 18.16, she demonstrates good potential for performance in lighter air conditions. Her high Ballast to Displacement ratio of about 51.56% indicates a very stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to a significant amount of wind and maintaining a comfortable motion. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of roughly 192.67 places her in the lighter-to-moderate displacement category for a boat of her size, further underscoring her design as a nimble performer.

Anecdotal reports align with these figures, frequently praising the San Juan 24 as an excellent racing boat that has achieved success in numerous regattas and can still compete effectively under PHRF ratings. While generally well-regarded for its sailing prowess, some characteristics of its early IOR design are noted; for instance, the pinched stern, typical of that era, can sometimes lead to a "squirrely" or tender feel downwind, requiring more attentive handling in certain conditions. Despite this, the boat's overall handling is often described as responsive and enjoyable for those seeking an engaging sailing experience.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its emphasis on performance, the San Juan 24 offers a practical and comfortable cabin, often described as roomy for a boat of its size, with ample sitting headroom. While specific detailed layouts can vary, typical accommodations for a 24-foot sailboat of this vintage would include a V-berth forward, a compact head, a salon area with settees that may convert into berths, and a small galley space. Owners have been known to undertake interior conversions to optimize the space, creating cozy sleeping and cooking areas, which speaks to the adaptability of the interior. The general finish quality, consistent with Clark Boat Company's reputation, was for well-made vessels utilizing hand-laid fiberglass construction for the hull, which extends to the structural elements of the interior.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners consistently praise the San Juan 24 for its solid construction, good value, and the accessible sailing experience it provides. Many appreciate its robust and dependable nature, especially considering its age, making it a popular choice in the used boat market. The boat has fostered strong owner communities, particularly in the Pacific Northwest, where it continues to be actively raced as a one-design fleet, demonstrating its enduring appeal and the enthusiasm of its owners.

However, common maintenance considerations and potential weaknesses are also noted. Some owners have reported issues with the original construction quality, specifically regarding poorly sealed deck fittings that can lead to leaks, often requiring re-bedding over time. The boat's early IOR design, while contributing to its racing performance, can result in a somewhat tender feel or "squirrely" behavior downwind, a characteristic that owners may need to manage. Despite these points, the overall sentiment among owners remains positive, highlighting the San Juan 24 as a capable and rewarding sailboat for its class.