Foxhound 24 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Foxhound 24 began production in 1975, a period when Copland Boats, founded by John Macintosh on the Isle of Wight, was establishing its reputation for producing practical and enjoyable sailing yachts. The company's ethos centered on crafting vessels suitable for family cruising and ease of handling, aligning perfectly with the Foxhound 24's design objectives. Copland Boats aimed to make sailing accessible, producing boats that appealed to a range of sailors from day-sailers to those undertaking coastal passages.

The design lineage of the Foxhound 24 places it within a series of "Fox" themed boats, including the Foxcub 18 and Fox Terrier 22, all attributed to Uffa Fox. Tony Dixon, known for other popular Copland models like the Fox Terrier 22 and Harrier 20, also contributed to the Foxhound 24's design. A notable aspect of the Foxhound 24's production was its availability with two distinct keel configurations: a traditional long keel, or a fin keel paired with a spade rudder. This option allowed owners to choose between the directional stability offered by a long keel and the enhanced maneuverability and potentially greater performance of a fin keel version.

Sailing Performance and Handling

At just under 24 feet in length overall with a waterline of 18.17 feet, the Foxhound 24 is characterized as a moderate weight sailboat, noted for being "under powered". Despite this, its hull form contributes to a "reasonably stable / stiff" feel on the water. The choice of keel significantly influences its handling characteristics. The long keel variant, typical for boats of its era, offers excellent directional stability, making it forgiving for beginners and comfortable in a seaway, though at the expense of some maneuverability and increased drag. Conversely, the less common fin keel and spade rudder configuration would provide quicker turning and potentially better performance upwind. With a theoretical hull speed of 5.71 knots, the Foxhound 24 is capable of respectable speeds for a boat of its size and type. It is generally considered a good day-boat, though also suitable for short coastal cruises.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact size, the Foxhound 24 provides accommodations typical for a small cruising yacht of its vintage. While specific detailed layouts are not widely documented, it is noted as being "more spacy than 58% of all other designs" of similar size, suggesting a relatively roomy interior for its length. However, some accounts suggest the interior finish was not particularly refined, indicating a more utilitarian approach to the cabin space. Owners could expect a basic V-berth forward, a small galley area, and potentially a compact head, providing essential comforts for overnight stays or weekend trips. Storage would likely be modest, relying on under-berth lockers and simple shelving. Ventilation would typically be via a forward hatch and possibly a few portlights.