Balboa 24 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Balboa 24 first entered production in 1981, emerging from the Costa Mesa, California-based Coastal Recreation Inc., a company renowned for its "Balboa" and "Aquarius" lines. Coastal Recreation, which specialized in fiberglass sailboats designed for cruising, focused on producing practical and accessible vessels. The Balboa 24 is noted to be a development of the similar 1980 Laguna 24S, reflecting a shared design philosophy within the broader recreational sailing market of the era. While Coastal Recreation Inc. ceased operations in 1981, its legacy included making recreational boating more attainable. An optional tall rig was available for the Balboa 24, which featured increased displacement, ballast, and sail area, suggesting an option for enhanced performance. The boat is sometimes regarded as a somewhat rare item in the sailing community.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a fiberglass solid hull and a fin keel, the Balboa 24 is characterized as a light sailboat with generally good performance. Its fin keel design provides good maneuverability, although it may offer less directional stability compared to boats with full keels. The short keel may also somewhat reduce its upwind performance. Owners and reviewers describe the Balboa 24 as stable and stiff, capable of standing up to a breeze. However, its design indicates a low righting capability if capsized, which is a characteristic to consider. Overall, the Balboa 24 is often considered best suited as a day-boat, balancing its performance attributes with its cruising intentions. The transom-hung rudder contributes to its direct steering and responsiveness.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Balboa 24, while compact given its overall length, is designed to provide basic cruising amenities. The standard cabin headroom is approximately 47 inches (3.9 feet). However, the design notably incorporates a pop-up top, which significantly increases the cabin height to six feet, allowing for standing headroom in the main salon area. This pop-up feature greatly enhances the liveability of the interior, transforming it from a mere cuddy to a more functional space for overnight stays or sheltered comfort. As with many boats of its size and era, the layout would typically include a V-berth forward, a small galley area, and seating in the main salon, with storage solutions integrated throughout the limited space. The use of fiberglass for the hull and deck allows for a relatively low-maintenance interior finish, though specific details on wood trim or material quality would vary with individual boat upkeep.

Owner's Perspectives

While specific long-term reviews are not extensively documented, the Balboa 24 garners interest in owner forums, with sailors seeking information on its sea kindliness, overall worthiness, and potential issues. Owners have noted the benefit of its real keel for stability, differentiating it from designs with retractable centerboards. As a somewhat rare model, the experiences of individual owners tend to vary, with many valuing its simple, capable design for recreational sailing.