F-24 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The F-24's creation falls within Corsair Marine's early years, a period when the company, founded in 1984 with financial backing from John Walton, was solidifying its reputation for innovative, lightweight composite trailerable trimarans. Ian Farrier was the visionary behind all early Corsair designs, including the F-24, which benefited from his expertise in crafting fast and stable multihulls. Farrier's design philosophy emphasized speed, safety, and the revolutionary folding system that allowed these trimarans to be easily transported by road and launched almost anywhere.

During its production run, the Corsair F-24 was offered in two main variations: the Mark I (MkI) and Mark II (MkII). While largely similar in sail plan, hull form, running rigging, and folding mechanism, the MkI is often considered better suited for overnight stays and cruising due to its interior layout, while the MkII often emphasized enhanced sport performance. A key distinction was the rudder system, with the MkI's rudder swinging through the aft cockpit floor and the MkII featuring a transom-hung rudder, though both designs allowed the rudder to swing up for shallow water or trailering. There was also a specific "F-24 Sport Cruiser" model designed by Farrier as a cruising version of the original F-24, indicating a focus on broader appeal.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a trimaran, the Corsair F-24 inherently offers exceptional stability and speed, a hallmark of Ian Farrier's designs and Corsair Marine's reputation. Owners frequently praise the F-24 for its blistering speed, with reports of achieving speeds exceeding 20 knots on a reach, providing a truly exhilarating sailing experience. The boat is described as easy to sail and handles well, feeling larger than its 24-foot length suggests.

Despite its emphasis on speed, the F-24 maintains remarkable stability, a characteristic attributed to its three-hull design. While capable of impressive speeds, some discussions suggest that the F-24, like some other multihulls, might be less exciting in very light air. However, its design allows it to stand up to more wind and maintain its performance characteristics. The F-24's daggerboard keel further enhances its upwind performance and allows for a minimal draft of 1.0 ft with the board retracted, enabling access to shallow anchorages.

Accommodations and Layout

The accommodations on the Corsair F-24, while functional, prioritize sailing performance over extensive cruising luxuries, reflecting the design's emphasis on speed and sportiness. The interior is generally described as providing basic amenities suitable for weekending or short trips. Both the F-24 MkI and MkII typically feature an open aft cockpit and can offer sleeping arrangements for two to three individuals.

Owners have noted that while the F-24 provides a cozy space, it is "not too roomy," aligning with its performance-oriented design. Descriptions of the interior from owner videos and forums reveal a forward V-berth, a small galley area, and often a portable head. Storage is generally adequate for short excursions, but not expansive for extended cruising. The finish quality typically involves a combination of fiberglass and some wood trim, in keeping with boats of its era. While specific headroom figures are not consistently highlighted as a strong point, the compact design is efficient for its intended use.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners consistently commend the Corsair F-24 for its robust construction, impressive speed, and ease of trailering. Many describe it as the "best boat ever made" and "fast, fun, great with 1, 2, 10,..." highlighting its versatility and enjoyment factor. The ability to fold the amas for transport and storage is a significant draw, offering unparalleled flexibility. The F-24 is often used for short trips and racing, being capable of one-design racing.

However, prospective owners should be aware of a few common considerations. Some older Corsair models, including the F-24, have been noted for potential issues with original deck fittings developing leaks, which may require re-bedding over time. Additionally, while highly praised for speed, some owners have noted that the boat's performance can be less exhilarating in very light winds, and care must be taken to de-power when a float submerges to avoid slowing down. Overall, the F-24 maintains a strong and active owner community, who frequently organize regattas and "Safaris", further enriching the ownership experience.