CB Maxus 24 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Maxus 24 is fundamentally a "volume-first" design, but it delivers surprising agility in light to moderate air. According to an editorial evaluation by Sailing Magazine, the boat features a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 158 and a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of 19.54, which places it firmly in the category of a performance-oriented weekender rather than a heavy cruiser. The hull is beamy (Length/Beam ratio of 2.89), which provides significant initial stability and allows the boat to carry a generous 27 to 30 square meters of sail.

Under sail, the boat is known for its ability to "wake up" in light breezes; Yacht.de testing noted that the Evo variant can reach speeds of 3 to 3.5 knots in just 4 to 5 knots of true wind. One of the model's most versatile features is the availability of four distinct keel configurations: a standard swing keel (ballast-in-hull), a lifting keel, a fixed fin keel, and twin (bilge) keels. The swing-keel version is the most common, allowing for a minimum draft of just 0.35 meters, making it ideal for beaching or exploring shallow inland waterways.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 24-foot vessel, the interior volume of the Maxus 24 is exceptional, often compared to boats in the 26-to-28-foot class. The shipyard prioritized headroom, achieving 1.73 meters (5' 8") in the main cabin and up to 1.85 meters (6' 1") near the companionway. The layout is a standard open-plan arrangement: a double V-berth forward, two settee berths in the salon, and a large transverse double berth tucked under the cockpit.

The Northman Shipyard technical data confirms the boat is certified for up to 6+2 berths, though most owners find four adults to be the practical limit for cruising comfort. The interior is finished with HPL (High-Pressure Laminate) surfaces and features a dedicated galley to starboard and a surprisingly spacious separate head compartment to port. The Evo variant improved upon this by increasing natural light through larger, more modern superstructure windows and refining the ergonomics of the aft berth access.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus on several technical areas specific to the Maxus's construction and use-case:

• Centerboard Pivot and Trunk: On swing-keel models, the pivot pin and the trunk itself should be inspected for wear or lateral "slap." In high-mileage charter boats, the fiberglass around the pin can experience stress cracking if the board was frequently grounded.
• Deck Hardware Bedding: Early production units sometimes exhibit minor moisture intrusion around the cockpit cleats and the mast step. Inspect the interior headliner for water staining.
• Window Sealing: The large, wrap-around acrylic windows are a hallmark of the design but can develop leaks over time due to the expansion and contraction of the hull. Check for evidence of re-sealing or crazing in the plastic.
• Rudder Bearings: The transom-hung rudder is subject to significant leverage, especially in the swing-keel versions where the rudder also kicks up. Ensure there is no excessive play in the gudgeons or pintles.

Community & Resources

The Maxus 24 benefits from a strong European presence and a manufacturer that remains highly active. Technical support and original parts are generally available through the Northman Shipyard in Poland. Owners often congregate in region-specific associations, such as the Polish Maxus Class or various German small-cruiser clubs, where technical wikis for mast-lowering systems (a common option on these boats) are frequently shared.

The Verdict

The Maxus 24 is a premier choice for sailors who prioritize "living space per foot" and the ability to trailer their vessel to diverse cruising grounds. While it lacks the ultimate blue-water stiffness of a heavy-keel monohull, its versatility in shallow water is nearly unmatched in this size bracket.

Pros:

• Remarkable interior headroom and volume for a 24-footer.
• Highly trailerable with a legal 2.55m beam.
• Excellent light-wind performance and maneuverability.
• Versatile keel options to suit varied sailing environments.

Cons:

• High freeboard can make it susceptible to windage when docking.
• Light displacement leads to a more "active" motion in heavy chop.
• Interior finishing in older models can feel "plasticky" compared to traditional wood-heavy cruisers.