Design Brief & Intent
The Arrowhead 24 was engineered specifically as a high-performance camp-cruiser and daysailer. In contrast to its monohull contemporaries of the same length, which prioritized deep ballasted keels and standing headroom, the Arrowhead 24 utilized a 14-foot beam to generate immense form stability. This design approach eliminated the need for ballast, allowing the boat to float at a mere 1,200 pounds.
The interior of the Arrowhead 24 reflects this uncompromising focus on weight reduction. Rather than a traditional enclosed cabin with heavy marine plywood joinery, the vessel features an open, minimalist cabin layout. Accommodations are limited to two single "wing bunks" positioned port and starboard, which extend into the solid wing structures. The fiberglass layup was notoriously thin, optimized for speed rather than structural overbuilding. The cabin is best understood as a hard-sided tent, offering basic shelter for weekend camp-cruising. For its era, the fit-out was distinctly industrial and utilitarian, prioritizing structural simplicity to ensure the boat remained lightweight enough for road transport.
Variations, Engineering & Evolution
A defining engineering marvel of the Arrowhead 24 is its folding mechanism. Unlike modern folding trimarans that use horizontal pivoting arms (such as the Corsair design), the Arrowhead 24 relies on solid wings that fold upward. When these solid platforms are raised, the overall beam of the boat is dramatically reduced, allowing it to fit onto a standard trailer or be stored inside a typical residential garage.
The underbody configuration is defined by a centerboard, which retracts into a trunk within the main hull. With the board fully raised, the boat draws only 1.25 feet of water, allowing it to navigate shallow tidal estuaries or be beached directly on the sand. When the centerboard is lowered to its maximum depth of 4.0 feet, it provides the necessary lateral plane to combat leeway when sailing close-hauled.
The standard rig is a masthead sloop, carrying roughly 237 square feet of sail. The boat's light weight and easily driven hulls made it an excellent platform for early hydrofoil experimentation. In fact, during the late 1960s, an Arrowhead 24 named Coqui was outfitted with surface-piercing foils under the auspices of the Amateur Yacht Research Society, demonstrating the inherent adaptability and forward-looking nature of Taber’s hull form.
Sailing Performance & Handling
The sailing dynamics of the Arrowhead 24 are characterized by rapid acceleration and immediate helm response. With an exceptionally high sail-area-to-displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of 33.58, the trimaran possesses a power-to-weight profile akin to a racing dinghy rather than a pocket cruiser. The boat requires active, attentive sail trimming; even in light airs, the generous sail plan translates immediately into forward motion.
The displacement-to-length (Disp/LWL) ratio of 78.1 places the Arrowhead 24 firmly in the ultralight displacement category. The boat skims over the water rather than plowing through it, easily exceeding its theoretical hull speed of 5.84 knots when on a reach or downwind run. However, this lack of physical mass has distinct trade-offs. The motion in a seaway is quick and highly dynamic, as evidenced by a comfort ratio of just 2.69. Unlike a heavy-keel monohull that absorbs wave energy, the Arrowhead 24 rises and falls rapidly with the sea state, requiring physical stamina from the crew.
Stiffness is derived entirely from the wide, 14-foot stance of the outriggers (amas) rather than ballast. While the capsize screening formula yields a high value of 5.27, this metric must be interpreted through the lens of multihull physics. While practically immune to the rolling tendencies of monohulls, the Arrowhead 24 does not possess a self-righting capability; if pushed beyond its limits in extreme conditions, it relies entirely on the quick release of sheets and prudent seamanship to prevent a capsize.
Known Issues & Triage
Owning a vintage multihull from the 1960s requires a dedicated maintenance schedule, particularly regarding the structural connections that hold the hulls together.
- Hinge and Folding Mechanisms: The upward-folding solid wings rely on heavy-duty hinges and securing pins. Over decades of salt exposure and torsional stress, these pivot points are highly prone to corrosion, metal fatigue, and ovaling of the bolt holes. Any restoration must begin with a thorough ultrasound or dye-penetrant inspection of these load-bearing hinges.
- Thin Fiberglass Layup: As noted by early owners, Taber optimized the layup to keep the boat fast and trailerable, resulting in hull sections that can feel thin or flexible. Groundings or impact damage on the main hull or amas require immediate fiberglass reinforcement, and bulkhead-to-hull bonds must be checked for tabbing separation.
- Centerboard Trunk and Pivot Pin: The centerboard trunk is a common site for hidden leaks and structural rot, particularly around the pivot pin. If the board has been slammed into an underwater obstacle, the trunk housing can crack, leading to significant water ingress into the main cabin bilge.
Modernization & Upgrades
For the few remaining Arrowhead 24 models still in service, modern refits can dramatically improve usability.
- Synthetic Trampolines & Safety Nets: Many owners choose to replace or supplement portions of the solid folding wings with lightweight, modern synthetic net trampolines to reduce windage and spray while saving weight.
- Outboard Motor Conversion: The boat was designed to be powered by a small, lightweight outboard motor mounted on a transom bracket. Upgrading to a modern, long-shaft 4-hp to 6-hp four-stroke engine—or a lightweight electric outboard powered by a small lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery bank—provides reliable maneuvering without disrupting the boat's delicate trim.
- Running Rigging & Controls: Bringing all halyards, reefing lines, and the centerboard control line aft to the cockpit via modern deck organizers and clutches allows the boat to be safely single-handed.
The Verdict
The Arrowhead 24 is a vintage, minimalist speed machine that occupies a unique niche in American maritime history. It is not a blue-water passage maker, nor is it a comfortable floating cottage for dockside entertaining. Instead, it is an purist's multihull—built for the sailor who wants to feel the rush of double-digit speeds, explore shallow shorelines, and tuck their boat safely into a home garage at the end of the weekend.
Pros
- Highly trailerable with an innovative upward-folding solid wing system.
- Blistering light-air performance and acceleration driven by an exceptional power-to-weight ratio.
- Extremely shallow draft with the centerboard raised, allowing for easy beaching and tidal exploration.
- Simple, low-maintenance mechanical systems compared to larger, more complex cruising multihulls.
Cons
- Minimalist interior accommodations with no standing headroom, limited storage, and basic wing bunks.
- Motion in a seaway is highly active and can be exhausting on long sails.
- Thin vintage fiberglass layup requires careful structural inspection and preservation.
- No inherent self-righting capability if pushed to a capsize.
