Beason 24 Information, Review, Specs

The Beason 24 was notably offered as both a factory-finished yacht and a "kit boat" for owner completion. This dual-market approach allowed many Swedish families to enter boat ownership at a lower price point, but it also means that no two Beason 24s are identical today; the quality of the cabinetry, electrical routing, and interior finishing varies significantly based on the skills of the original home builder.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Beason 24 is defined by a high ballast ratio, often reported at approximately 46%, which provides an exceptional righting moment for a vessel of this size. This design choice, coupled with a lead fin keel rather than a cheaper iron alternative, allows the boat to carry its sail area further into freshening breezes without rounding up. The lead keel’s higher density allows for a lower center of gravity and a slimmer profile, reducing drag compared to iron-keeled contemporaries.

Equipped with a fractional rig, the Beason 24 offers a more modern and adjustable sail plan than the masthead rigs common in the early 70s. This configuration features a smaller headsail, which facilitates easier tacking in tight channels—a critical advantage for the Swedish archipelagos. Sailors often describe the boat as having a "light racer" feel, characterized by quick acceleration in puffs and responsive helm feedback. However, the fin keel and light displacement mean it lacks the directional "tracking" stability of a long-keeled cruiser, requiring more active attention at the helm when sailing off the wind.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 24-foot vessel, the Beason 24 was marketed as a "spacy" alternative to the more cramped racing dinghies of the era. The layout typically accommodates four to five berths: a V-berth forward and two settees in the main salon that double as bunks, often supplemented by a quarter berth. The beam of approximately 2.4 meters provides enough interior volume for a compact galley and a small table, though standing headroom is limited for taller sailors.

Because so many units were sold to be home-completed, the interior materials range from simple marine plywood to high-end teak veneers. Potential buyers should carefully inspect the joinery and bulkheads, as the structural integrity of the interior—specifically how well the bulkheads were tabbed to the hull—depends entirely on the individual builder’s diligence. Sibling models like the Beason 31 and the Beason 36 (which later evolved into the Mamba 36) offered significantly more volume and standing headroom, catering to those who outgrew the 24's compact weekend-warrior layout.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

The most significant "gotcha" for the Beason 24 is its history as a kit boat. Prospective buyers must evaluate the vessel as a unique build rather than a standardized product.

• Bulkhead Tabbing: Inspect the fiberglass "tape" where the main bulkheads meet the hull. In home-built versions, these joints can sometimes fail or were never properly saturated with resin, leading to structural flexing under rig load.
• Deck Core Integrity: Like many 1970s builds, the deck uses a sandwich construction. Check for "crunchy" or soft spots around the chainplates and mast step, which indicate water ingress into the core material.
• Rigging Tension: Given its fractional rig, the mast is designed to induce a slight pre-bend. Look for signs of stress or compression at the mast foot, especially if the standing rigging has been over-tensioned to compensate for aged wires.
• Engine Maintenance: Many units were fitted with small inboard diesels (often Volvo Penta or Yanmar). Check the saildrive seal if applicable; these require replacement every 7–10 years and are a common point of neglect.

The Verdict

The Beason 24 is a sophisticated small cruiser that offers a higher level of sailing performance than many of its more utilitarian contemporaries. It is an excellent choice for a sailor who values a stiff, lead-keeled hull and the agility of a fractional rig.

Pros

• High Stability: The 46% ballast ratio and lead keel make it remarkably stiff and safe in a blow.
• Tackability: The fractional rig and small headsail make it a joy to sail in narrow waterways.
• Design Pedigree: Bernt Andersson’s influence ensures a hull that balances speed with seaworthiness.

Cons

• Variable Build Quality: Kit-built interiors require rigorous individual inspection.
• Limited Headroom: The low profile, while aesthetic and aerodynamic, sacrifices standing room for taller crews.
• Active Helming: The light displacement and fin keel require more focus to maintain a straight course in following seas.