Falcon 24 (S&S) Information, Review, Specs

The roots of the Falcon 24 trace back to Sparkman & Stephens' influential design number 1497, which first emerged in 1960 as the Dolphin 24, commissioned by O'Day Corporation and designed by William Shaw. The Dolphin 24 was notably developed with the Midget Ocean Racing Club (MORC) rule in mind, indicating an early intention for capable, small-boat performance. The S&S 24 followed as a fin-keeled variant, and the Falcon 24 further evolved this design.

Produced from 1973 to 1979, the Falcon 24 represents a period when New Zealand's Sea Nymph was a pioneering force in fiberglass construction. Sea Nymph, known for its practical and durable trailer boats, focused on robust construction and thoughtful layouts for the average boater. While primarily recognized for powerboats, Sea Nymph's collaboration with esteemed naval architects like Sparkman & Stephens demonstrates a broader commitment to well-engineered vessels. The Falcon 24 hulls were built by Sea Nymph and subsequently finished by McNair, both New Zealand companies. The primary distinction of the Falcon 24 from the S&S 24 was a completely redesigned coach roof and deck.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of just over 24 feet and a waterline length of 19 feet, the Falcon 24 carries a displacement of 4,640 pounds and features a fin keel with a skeg-hung rudder. Its reported sail area of 262 square feet, when coupled with its displacement, results in a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 15.1. This suggests a boat that, while not a dedicated light-air flyer, offers respectable performance and can hold its own in a breeze. The ballast to displacement ratio stands at a healthy 40.9%, indicating a good degree of stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up to its canvas in stronger winds.

The displacement to length ratio of approximately 302 classifies the Falcon 24 as a moderately heavy cruiser for its size. This robust build contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway, a desirable trait for a boat intended for cruising. Owners of its direct predecessors and similar S&S designs often praise their balanced helm and predictable handling. The Falcon 24, inheriting this design lineage, provides "more displacement than local equivalents," which likely contributes to a "decent sized" feel and a solid motion, making it a capable pocket cruiser.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Falcon 24, consistent with its design lineage from the Dolphin 24, typically offers a practical layout for its size. While specific headroom figures for the Falcon 24 are not readily available, the Dolphin 24, for example, featured around 57 inches of headroom, providing adequate space for sitting or moving around for most.

Expect a V-berth forward, offering sleeping accommodations for two. The main cabin would generally include a convertible dinette arrangement that could transform into an additional double berth, maximizing sleeping capacity for a small crew or family. A small galley area and a marine head would also be typical for a boat of this design from the 1970s. The interior finish would likely reflect the builder's focus on practicality, utilizing robust materials common to fiberglass construction of the era, offering a functional rather than luxurious environment. Storage would be well-considered for a boat of this size, with lockers and shelves integrated into the layout to accommodate cruising gear.