Bandholm 24 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Bandholm 24 is fundamentally a "heavy-weather sailor" (hårdtvejrssejler), a characteristic rooted in its impressive 50% ballast ratio. With a displacement of approximately 2,200 kg and 1,100 kg of that located in the keel, the boat is exceptionally stiff and capable of carrying full sail long after its contemporaries have reached for a reefing line. According to editorial testing by Palstek Magazine, the vessel exhibits a sedate, stately motion in a seaway, avoiding the "nervousness" often associated with modern light-displacement fin-keelers.

However, this stability comes at the cost of light-air performance. Under 5 m/s (approx. 10 knots) of wind, the boat can feel underpowered, requiring a large genoa or spinnaker to maintain momentum. The hull features a deep fin keel and a rudder mounted on a robust skeg, a configuration that offers excellent directional tracking and protection for the steering gear, though it results in a larger turning circle than modern spade-rudder designs. Owners often note that the boat feels like a much larger vessel at the helm, providing a sense of security during coastal passages.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 24-foot yacht, the interior of the Bandholm 24 is remarkably spacious, largely due to a deep bilge that allows for a surprising headroom of approximately 1.78 meters (5' 10"). The layout is traditional, featuring a V-berth in the bow and two longitudinal berths in the salon. In a clever but tight piece of engineering, the starboard salon berth is shortened to 1.72 meters to accommodate a small enclosed head (toilet) compartment between the salon and the forward cabin.

The galley is positioned in a U-shape around the companionway, featuring a sink and stove that are often tucked under the cockpit seats to maximize floor space. High-quality teak joinery was a hallmark of the Bandholm yard, and even decades later, the interiors are noted for their durability and "ship-shape" feel. While most units followed the standard layout, the Bandholm 24 is a close sibling to the slightly larger Bandholm 26 and the popular Bandholm 27, which offered more refined ergonomics for family cruising. The 24 was also built with minor variations in engine placement; early models occasionally featured a Farymann diesel engine mounted unusually far forward under the V-berth to balance the weight of the crew in the cockpit.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Bandholm 24 occupies a special place in Scandinavian sailing literature, most notably appearing in Martin Anker Wiedemann’s book Pocket Cruising og Mikroeventyr (Pocket Cruising and Micro-adventures). The boat is celebrated in these pages as the ideal vessel for "the simple sailing life," praised for its aesthetic beauty and its ability to handle serious offshore conditions despite its diminutive size. The model also maintains a high profile within German and Danish sailing periodicals, frequently cited as a benchmark for classic GRP construction.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus on the following technical areas common to the Bandholm 24:

• Engine Obsolescence: Many original units were equipped with early Farymann or small Volvo Penta diesels. Due to their age, these engines often require total replacement or extensive refurbishment. Buyers should check if the original hydraulic drive systems (found on some models) are still operational, as parts are becoming rare.
• Fuel and Water Capacity: The original tanks were quite small, with some units carrying as little as 25 liters of fuel. Many owners have retrofitted larger tanks, but the installation quality of these aftermarket upgrades varies.
• Keel Bolts and Bilge: While the hull is solid GRP, the deep bilge is prone to collecting moisture if the mast (which is deck-stepped but has a compression post) or the chainplates leak. Inspect the keel-to-hull joint for "smiles" or signs of stress.
• Deck Hardware Bedding: Like many 1970s boats, the deck hardware (cleats, stanchions) may need re-bedding to prevent core rot, although Bandholm used substantial solid laminates in many high-stress areas.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for owners is the Bandholm Class Association (Bandholm Klassenvereinigung), which provides a comprehensive technical archive, including original brochures and test reports from the 1970s and 80s. This community is particularly active in Germany and Denmark, hosting annual regattas and "star rallies" for the entire Bandholm range.

The Verdict

The Bandholm 24 is a robust, over-engineered pocket cruiser that prioritizes safety and traditional aesthetics over raw speed. It is an ideal choice for solo sailors or couples looking for a classic yacht capable of handling weather that would send other 24-footers back to the marina.

Pros:

• Exceptional stability with a 50% ballast ratio.
• Impressive headroom (1.78m) for its length.
• High-quality Danish construction and teak joinery.
• Predictable, sea-kindly handling in heavy weather.

Cons:

• Sluggish performance in light winds (under 10 knots).
• Tight accommodations in the head and shortened starboard berth.
• Original engine and tankage systems likely require modernization.
• Limited maneuverability in tight marinas due to the long-fin/skeg configuration.