Venture 2-24 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The MacGregor Yacht Corp., founded by Roger MacGregor in the early 1960s, quickly became known for pioneering innovative, trailerable designs aimed at making boating more accessible. The company's early models were introduced under the "Venture" brand, and the Venture 2-24 emerged as a development of the earlier Venture 24. Production of the Venture 2-24 commenced in 1971 and continued until 1974.

A significant design feature that differentiates the Venture 2-24 is its "pop-top" configuration, which was added to the Venture 24 hull around 1971, essentially creating the 2-24 model. This innovation allowed for increased headroom in the cabin when at anchor, greatly enhancing liveability for a boat of this size. Roger MacGregor's design philosophy for the Venture series focused on creating boats that were simple, lightweight, and affordable, embodying his commitment to versatility and ease of ownership, particularly through trailerability. The inclusion of a swing keel was central to this design, enabling the boat to navigate both coastal and inland waters and facilitating easy transport and shallow-water access.

Sailing Performance and Handling

True to MacGregor's design principles, the Venture 2-24 is a light displacement boat, offering a nimble and straightforward sailing experience. Equipped with a fractional sloop rig, the boat features rudimentary sail and rig controls, aligning with its design as a simple and low-cost vessel. Owners often find it very easy to single-hand, making it a suitable choice for solo sailors or those new to the sport.

The boat's swing keel is a key aspect of its performance, providing flexibility for varied sailing conditions and allowing for a minimal draft of 0.75 feet when fully retracted, ideal for beaching or trailering. While not designed as a high-performance racer, the Venture 2-24 is reported to handle gusts surprisingly well for its light displacement. Its ability to sail close to the wind is noted, demonstrating reasonable upwind performance for a boat of its type. However, due to its light build, some standard comfort evaluations suggest it offers a less comfortable ride compared to many other sailboat designs of its size.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Venture 2-24 is characterized by its "pop-top" design, a defining feature that provides crucial additional headroom in the cabin, significantly improving comfort when moored or at anchor. Given its overall length of just under 25 feet, the interior layout is typically open and functional, optimized for a small cruising or weekending experience. While detailed specifications for the interior were not provided, MacGregor's focus on affordability and simplicity suggests a straightforward arrangement, likely including a V-berth forward, a small salon area, and possibly basic galley and head provisions, consistent with small trailerable cruisers of its era. The emphasis would have been on maximizing usable space and providing essential amenities for short trips.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Venture 2-24 often highlight its strengths in terms of accessibility, ease of handling, and low cost. The boat's trailerability, facilitated by its swing keel and light displacement, is consistently praised, allowing for exploration of diverse waterways and convenient storage. Many appreciate its suitability for single-handed sailing, making it an approachable vessel for individuals or small families. The MacGregor community, in general, is known for its enthusiasm, with owners valuing the unique "sail and power" capabilities inherent in MacGregor's designs, even if the Venture 2-24 leaned more towards sailing than later MacGregor power-sailers.

However, common maintenance issues and weaknesses noted by owners of Venture models from this era include the potential for water under the cockpit sole and problems related to the swing keel mechanism, which can be a recurring concern for these boats. As with many older fiberglass boats, issues such as original deck fittings developing leaks may also arise, requiring attention from owners. Despite these potential challenges, the Venture 2-24 remains a beloved classic for those seeking a straightforward, affordable, and versatile small sailboat.