Buckler 24 MS Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Buckler 24 MS is fundamentally a displacement-hull motorsailer, and its performance reflects this design priority. With a displacement of approximately 3,960 lbs and a modest sail area of roughly 189 square feet, the boat possesses a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of approximately 12. This classifies the vessel as significantly underpowered by modern sailing standards, confirming that the "MS" (Motorsailer) designation is earned; the boat relies heavily on its inboard diesel—originally often a 10-hp Petter or 12-hp Yanmar—to make progress against headwind and tide.

Handling is often described as "idiosyncratic" according to Yachting Monthly, which notes that while the ketch rig is easily managed by a solo sailor, the boat's performance is not "sparkling." Its high-volume hull and Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio of roughly 333 place it firmly in the heavy cruiser category. While this leads to sluggish acceleration and a tendency to struggle in light air, it provides a surprisingly high Motion Comfort ratio for a 24-foot boat. Owners typically find that the boat "comes to life" only when the wind picks up, where its weight and stiffness allow it to punch through chop with more authority than a lighter fin-keeler of the same length.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Buckler 24 MS is highly unusual for its size, utilizing a split-cabin layout centered around a deep, protected cockpit. The "main" living quarters are located in the aft cabin beneath the raised poop deck. This space typically houses two settee berths, a compact galley with a sink and cooker, and a separate enclosed toilet compartment. For a vessel under 24 feet, the headroom in the aft cabin is exceptional, avoiding the "cavelike" feel common in many contemporary small cruisers.

Forward of the cockpit is a separate forecabin containing two additional V-berths. While this provides excellent privacy for two couples or a small family, it necessitates a "wet dash" across the exposed cockpit to move between the galley and the forward sleeping area. Materials were generally plain and functional, with many units featuring lightweight joinery.

Several variants of the hull exist. The most prominent sibling is the Buckler Bowie, a more conventional version featuring a Bermudian rig and a single continuous cabin (main cabin forward) which, according to editorial reviews, offered improved sailing characteristics. The 24 MS itself saw a "Mk II" revision around 1975, which refined some of the interior layouts and deck fittings.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Buckler 24 MS has earned a reputation in the sailing community for its polarizing "miniature galleon" aesthetic. While its looks have occasionally provoked ridicule from traditionalists, the design appealed to a niche market of coastal cruisers who prioritized character and interior volume over racing lines. Technical databases like SailWiki note that the boat developed a significant following in the mid-1970s across the UK, largely due to its sturdy construction and the novelty of its sundeck over the aft cabin.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Buckler 24 MS with a focus on its age and the specific quirks of its 1970s GRP construction. High-signal technical areas for inspection include:

• Deck Core and Hardware: Early production models utilized lightweight deck fittings. Buyers should check for crazing around stanchion bases and potential delamination in the deck core, particularly around the high-stress areas of the ketch rig's chainplates.
• Wooden Mooring Points: Unlike modern boats with through-bolted metal cleats, some Buckler models used wooden mooring posts that penetrated the GRP deck. These are prone to rot and can compromise the watertight integrity of the hull-deck joint.
• Exposed Cockpit Drainage: Because the cockpit is deep and low to the waterline, ensuring that the cockpit drains are clear and the seacocks are functional is critical to prevent swamping in heavy following seas.
• Original Engines: Many units still house their original Petter or early Yanmar diesel engines. Given the boat's reliance on motor-sailing, a thorough mechanical survey of the cooling system and engine mounts is essential, as replacements in the tight engine space can be labor-intensive.

Community & Resources

While there is no longer a formal factory-supported association, the Buckler Owners Club has historically served as a repository for technical data and rig dimensions. Owners frequently share knowledge on regional British maritime forums such as the Practical Boat Owner (PBO) reader communities, where discussions often center on modernizing the ketch rig or retrofitting the aft cabin for long-term cruising.

The Verdict

The Buckler 24 MS is a sturdy, character-rich pocket cruiser that offers an "adventure-ready" feel far beyond its 24-foot length. It is not a boat for the performance-oriented sailor, but for those seeking a protected, comfortable coastal platform with a unique silhouette, it remains a compelling vintage choice.

Pros:

• Surprising headroom and interior volume for its length.
• Stable and "stiff" behavior in heavy weather.
• Unique "galleon" aesthetic that stands out in any marina.
• Ketch rig allows for versatile sail plans in high winds.

Cons:

• Poor light-wind sailing performance; requires frequent motoring.
• Split-cabin layout requires moving through the open cockpit to access the head/galley from the forecabin.
• Relatively small water and fuel capacities for its displacement.