Spacesailer 24 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Spacesailer 24 entered production in 1975 and was built until 1979. During this period, Swarbrick Bros Yachts, under the management of Harley Swarbrick, had established itself as the largest builder of production yachts in Australia, operating from its facilities in Osborne Park. The company was renowned for its commitment to Australian-designed and built vessels, known for their seaworthiness, strong performance, and early adoption of fiberglass (GRP) as a primary construction material. The Spacesailer 24 itself was designed by Kim Swarbrick, a member of the boat-building family, reflecting the family's deep expertise in yacht design and construction. The core philosophy behind its design was to maximize live-aboard facilities within a boat of this compact size, incorporating a "spacy hull design" to achieve this goal.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its compact size, the Spacesailer 24 is recognized for its capable sailing performance and solid handling characteristics across various conditions. It is described as a medium-displacement sloop that sails well in all weather and sea states. The boat features a masthead sloop rig and a fin keel with a skeg-hung rudder, contributing to its stable and balanced feel on the water. Owners frequently highlight the Spacesailer 24's inherent stability, noting its high freeboard and capacity to handle conditions that might challenge a lesser-designed boat, outperforming many trailer sailers in rougher waters. This robust nature is partly attributed to its relatively heavy ballast of 2,000 lbs, making it a stiff and reliable vessel.

Accommodations and Layout

A significant feature of the Spacesailer 24 is its interior, which was designed to offer generous space for a boat of its length. It boasts an impressive cabin headroom of 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 meters), a notable attribute for a 24-foot vessel, enhancing comfort below deck. The layout is typically arranged to provide sleeping accommodation for five individuals, which speaks to the designer's aim of maximizing live-aboard facilities. While specific details on the exact arrangement of the galley, head, and berths can vary slightly between individual boats or depend on owner modifications, the general design prioritizes practical living space. Owners often commend the Spacesailer 24 for having one of the biggest interiors among 24-foot sailboats, providing ample room for coastal cruising or extended weekends afloat. The use of fiberglass for the hull and solid fiberglass for the deck would have contributed to a sturdy and easily maintained interior structure, typical of Swarbrick's building ethos of the era.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Spacesailer 24 consistently laud its solid construction and comfortable motion, particularly in a seaway. Many appreciate the boat's excellent design, stability, and the spaciousness of its interior, noting that it provides considerable comfort for a 24-footer. The reputation for good build quality contributes to a loyal following among sailors. The boat's ability to handle diverse conditions effectively is a frequently mentioned strength, with owners expressing confidence in its seaworthiness. While specific recurring weaknesses are not widely documented, the general sentiment indicates a robust and relatively low-maintenance vessel, with routine tasks like annual bottom cleaning and anti-fouling being manageable. The enduring appeal of the Spacesailer 24 is evident in the strong community of owners who value its heritage and performance.