RL 24 Information, Review, Specs

Rob Legg Yachts Ltd., founded by Rob Legg in 1950, became synonymous with innovative and highly successful trailable yachts. The company's core philosophy revolved around producing practical, performance-oriented vessels with a strong emphasis on self-righting characteristics, crucial for boats designed for easy towing and launching. The RL 24 embodies this ethos, aiming to offer good performance alongside ease of handling and rigging for sailing families.

History and Design

The RL 24 was originally developed and built in Australia, with its production years spanning from 1973 to 1987. Over 600 of these iconic boats were built in Australia, with at least 500 produced under license in the US. Rob Legg's initial experimentation led to the creation of his first prototype, the original RL24 named "Tiki 11," which was constructed from timber and demonstrated the viability of his designs, including crucial self-righting capabilities. The company transitioned to fiberglass for its production models, allowing for greater efficiency and consistency.

Throughout its production run, the RL 24 saw several significant variations. The first 100 boats were known as Mark I, featuring a slight chine mark forward. The Mark II, introduced in 1976, boasted an upgraded hull finish and heavier centerboards for enhanced stability. By 1980, the Mark III emerged with a new deck that increased headroom and offered interior alterations. Finally, the Mark IV was developed to be more performance-oriented, distinguished by a fully battened main and a drop keel, a variation initiated by Peter Yeomans of Sydney. These iterations highlight the builder's adaptability and commitment to refining the design for both cruising and racing enthusiasts.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 24 feet and a waterline length of 19.5 feet, the RL 24 is designed to be a nimble and responsive vessel. Its light displacement of 1650 lbs and a centerboard keel, which allows for a draft ranging from 1.0 ft to 4.25 ft, are key to its trailable nature and performance versatility. The design offers good performance in light airs and is capable on rugged coastal waters.

Owners and reviewers often describe the RL 24 as a fast yet family-friendly yacht, capable of introducing many to the sport of sailing and cruising. Its design allows it to be equally at home in the light airs of inland waters or more challenging coastal conditions. The fractional sloop rig contributes to its ease of handling and responsiveness, making it a popular choice for both racing and casual cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact size, the RL 24 is designed to provide functional accommodations for its crew, typically sleeping four people. While detailed interior specifications are not extensive in the raw data, grounded research indicates a typical arrangement for a trailer sailer of its size. The interior usually features a V-berth forward, a main cabin area that can convert into additional berths, and space for an internal toilet.

The emphasis on trailability means the interior layout is often optimized for space efficiency, and while headroom is limited (as is common for boats of this class), the design prioritizes livability for weekend trips or short cruises. Owners have been noted to reconfigure aspects such as outboard motor placement, sometimes opting for an internal well for better balance and usability. The general finish often reflects the practical and robust construction ethos of Rob Legg Yachts, likely incorporating a blend of fiberglass and some wood trim for a functional and durable interior.

Owner's Perspectives

The RL 24 boasts a strong and active owner community, a testament to its enduring appeal. Owners consistently praise the boat's versatility, enabling them to race competitively one weekend and cruise comfortably with family the next. Its solid construction and good sailing characteristics are frequently highlighted as strengths, offering a robust and capable vessel for both thrilling sailing and enjoyable cruising. The ability to easily trailer the boat is a significant advantage, allowing owners to explore various waterways.

While largely positive, discussions in owner forums occasionally touch upon common maintenance aspects typical of boats from its era, such as re-bedding original deck fittings due to potential leaks over time. The existence of dedicated owner associations and online forums underscores the lasting appeal and practicality of Rob Legg's designs, with owners actively preserving the history and fostering camaraderie. The enduring support from the community helps new owners understand and address any common issues.