Thompson 24 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Thompson 24 can be traced back to the highly successful "Goosander," a 24-foot yacht commissioned in 1967 by Dick Pitcher, a former world champion in the Flying Dutchman class. Guy Thompson designed the Goosander with a clear goal: to create a quick and safe vessel that would perform well in offshore racing, particularly with the East Anglian Offshore Racing Association (EAORA). Its success on the racecourse laid the groundwork for the production Thompson 24, which commenced in 1968.

Thames Marine, operating as Thames Structural Plastics (TSP) before fully embracing the Thames Marine name for its boatbuilding division, was at the forefront of fiberglass construction in the UK during this era. Having established its reputation for durable and accessible cruisers, the company was well-suited to bring Thompson's design to a broader market. While Thames Marine often incorporated features like twin keels in its own designs for shallow draft capabilities, the Thompson 24 diverged with a fin keel and skeg-hung rudder, reflecting its performance-oriented brief. No significant variations such as MkI or MkII versions appear to be widely documented during its production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

For a vessel of its size, the Thompson 24 was designed with an emphasis on sailing performance. Its fin keel provides excellent hydrodynamic efficiency for upwind work, while the skeg-hung rudder ensures good directional stability and control, even in a seaway. The boat's hull speed is calculated at 6.14 knots, suggesting a lively performance for its length. Owners have described the Thompson 24 as a "good solid sea boat" that is both "quick" and "safe". However, some have noted it can be "a little slow in light" air, a common characteristic for many solid fiberglass cruisers of this vintage. Given its compact size, specific performance ratios like sail area to displacement or ballast to displacement are less directly applicable for qualitative assessment than for larger yachts, and are therefore not used in this context.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Thompson 24, while designed to maximize utility within its 24-foot length, offers a practical arrangement for weekend cruising and coastal adventures. Despite an early description hinting at "large boat comfort" for its class, owner feedback suggests the T24's cabin is "definitely not very roomy," indicating a snug but functional space.

Details on the specific layout are limited in public records, but typical for boats of this size and era, it would likely feature a V-berth forward, a small enclosed head, a compact galley area, and a saloon with settees that may convert into berths. The use of materials like marine plywood for interior components has been noted by some owners, which while functional, may require attention over time. Storage would be modest, and ventilation would likely rely on a main hatch and possibly a few opening ports.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Thompson 24 often praise its robust construction and sea-kindly nature. Many appreciate its capabilities as a "good solid sea boat," suitable for more ambitious trips, with one owner recounting multiple Channel crossings and voyages as far west as Falmouth. The boat's origin as a successful cruiser-racer often instills confidence in its handling and overall design integrity.

However, like any vessel of its age, the Thompson 24 can present some common maintenance considerations. One owner's "consequential dislike of marine ply" suggests that original interior joinery materials may require refurbishment or replacement over decades of use. Additionally, the sails, particularly on older models, may be in need of replacement, as noted by a new owner of a 1969 model. While a dedicated, highly active online community specifically for the Thompson 24 might not be as extensive as for some other models, existing owners have expressed a willingness to share information and experiences, underscoring the enduring appeal of this classic British cruiser-racer.