Lapworth 24 Information, Review, Specs

The Lapworth 24 emerged during a transformative period in sailboat construction, as fiberglass began to revolutionize the industry. Designed by C. William Lapworth, a renowned naval architect, the boat entered production in 1958. Lapworth's philosophy often leaned towards creating speedy hull designs, even for smaller vessels, aiming for a balance between performance and cruising amenity.

Continental Plastics Inc., based in Costa Mesa, California, was the builder of the Lapworth 24. While specific details about Continental Plastics Inc.'s operations and ethos are scarce, their association with respected designers like Lapworth suggests a commitment to quality and performance-oriented sailing craft.

The Lapworth 24 design saw several notable variations during its production run. Continental Plastics Inc. also offered an "economy" version known as the Spartan 24. A significant development was the flush-deck Gladiator 24, also introduced in 1958, which featured a raised deck to offer more interior volume, including the option of a "Flip Top" main hatch allowing full standing headroom in the main cabin when raised. Although designed by Lapworth and similar in appearance above the waterline, the CAL 24 (also from 1958) is a distinct design from the Lapworth 24.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Lapworth 24, with its fin keel and fractional sloop rig, is generally regarded as a moderate-weight sailboat known for being a reasonably good performer. Designed with a slightly more speedy hull, it offers an engaging sailing experience. Owners and reviewers often describe it as stable and stiff, possessing good righting capability. Its handling characteristics are generally favorable, and it can perform well across various conditions. For downwind sailing, particularly in lighter airs, a gennaker can enhance its performance. The boat is known to surf with a following sea, indicating its spirited nature.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length overall of 24 feet, the Lapworth 24 aims to provide practical accommodations below deck. While specific headroom figures for the standard model are often cited as limited, the raised-deck Gladiator 24 variant offered a significant improvement with up to 4'9" of headroom in the main cabin, particularly with the optional "Flip Top" main hatch. The flush deck design of some versions allows for an uncluttered deck above, and surprisingly ample space below for its footage.

Typical interior arrangements for a boat of this size usually include a V-berth forward, a compact galley area, and a main salon with settees that can serve as berths. Storage is often integrated throughout the cabin, though it can be limited given the boat's size. Information regarding the exact finish quality and materials typically used in the Lapworth 24's interior is not extensively documented, but fiberglass construction from this era often featured a blend of molded fiberglass components and wood trim.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Lapworth 24 and its variants often praise its robust construction and seaworthy characteristics for a boat of its size. Many have found the Gladiator 24, in particular, to be a superior model due to its flush deck design, which provides a better platform for working on deck compared to a trunk cabin. The boat's ability to cover significant distances has also been highlighted, with one notable account mentioning a Lapworth L-24 Gladiator completing 33,000 sea miles. Owners appreciate its stability and performance, with some noting its capability for more adventurous coastal or even offshore cruising.

Regarding potential weaknesses or common maintenance issues, specific recurring problems are not widely documented in available public forums. However, as with many older fiberglass boats, prospective owners should anticipate standard maintenance tasks associated with vessels of this vintage, such as checking for original deck fittings that may require re-bedding over time. The overall sentiment, however, tends to be positive, with owners often expressing deep satisfaction with their Lapworth 24s.