Carlson Cutlass 24 Information, Review, Specs

While the Cutlass 24 is most famously associated with British production, its design DNA is inextricably linked to the Mediterranean philosophy of its designer, Richard Carlson, who spent significant time in Mallorca. This connection mirrors the evolution of yards like Gallart, where the transition from wooden fishing vessels to high-performance fiberglass yachts occurred during the same era. The Cutlass 24 represents that same pivot point in maritime history: a boat built with the "over-engineered" laminates of the early GRP age, intended to provide the security of a heavy-displacement wooden boat with the reduced maintenance of modern materials.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Carlson Cutlass 24 is defined by its sea-kindliness and ability to hold a line in a blow. With a ballast ratio often exceeding 45%, the boat is remarkably stiff, allowing it to carry full sail longer than many contemporary 24-footers. The hull features a long fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, a configuration that provides a balanced compromise between the tracking stability of a full-keel boat and the maneuverability of a modern fin-keeler.

Under sail, the Cutlass 24 excels on a beat. Its narrow beam (approximately 7' 6") and deep-V entry allow it to slice through heavy chop without the "slamming" common in flatter-bottomed designs. According to historical technical summaries from Practical Boat Owner, the model is noted for its predictable handling, though the narrow hull does mean it will heel quickly to its "sweet spot" before stiffening up significantly. While it is not a light-air flyer due to its displacement, it comes alive in Force 4 to 6 conditions where lighter boats are forced to reef.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Cutlass 24 is a product of its era—functional, cozy, and somewhat constrained by the boat’s narrow beam. The layout typically features a classic four-berth arrangement: a V-berth in the forward cabin and two long settee berths in the main saloon that extend aft as quarter berths. Headroom is modest, generally hovering around 5' 8", which is generous for a 24-footer of this vintage but may feel tight for taller sailors.

Materials typically consist of heavy teak or mahogany joinery against a white GRP headliner, creating a traditional "nautical" atmosphere. The galley is usually located at the foot of the companionway, consisting of a simple two-burner stove and a small sink. Variations exist primarily due to the "home-completion" kits sold by Marcon; while many units feature a professional factory finish, others may vary in their locker configurations and wood quality. The Cutlass 24 has a larger sibling, the Cutlass 27, which offers a similar aesthetic but with standing headroom and an inboard diesel engine as a more standard feature.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus on the structural integrity of the early GRP laminate and the specific quirks of 1960s/70s engineering:

• Osmosis: Like many early Marcon builds, the Cutlass 24 is susceptible to osmotic blistering. While rarely structural due to the thickness of the hull, it is a common point of negotiation and may require a gelcoat peel or epoxy treatment.
• Deck Core Integrity: The decks are often a sandwich construction. Buyers should check for "springy" sections, particularly around the mast step and stanchion bases, which indicate water ingress and rot in the plywood or balsa core.
• Mast Step Compression: On some units, the support post beneath the mast step can settle over time, leading to a slight "frown" in the deck and difficulty maintaining rig tension.
• Keel Bolts: While the keel is a heavy fin, the condition of the mild steel keel bolts should be verified, as they may have reached the end of their service life if original.
• Engine Replacement: Many Cutlass 24s were originally fitted with small petrol engines (like the Vire 7) or early single-cylinder diesels. A vessel already repowered with a modern Yanmar or Beta Marine diesel carries a significant value premium.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for owners is the Marcon Owners Association, which provides technical archives and support for the various Richard Carlson and David Feltham designs built by Marine Construction Ltd. Additionally, the Carlson Designer Archive (though fragmented) remains a source of interest for those tracking the designer's crossover work between the UK and the Spanish Mediterranean shipyards.

The Verdict

The Carlson Cutlass 24 is a "sailor’s sailboat," appealing to those who value traditional lines and heavy-weather capability over the "caravan-style" interiors of modern coastal cruisers.

Pros:

• Exceptional windward performance and stability in heavy weather.
• Timeless, elegant "wineglass" hull profile.
• Robust, thick GRP construction.
• Affordable entry point into classic yacht ownership.

Cons:

• Limited interior volume and narrow beam compared to modern 24-footers.
• Restricted headroom (under 6 feet).
• Early GRP models frequently require osmosis treatment.
• Lacks the "sugar scoop" sterns and easy water access of newer designs.