Design and Construction
The Mk I is 24 feet overall, with a 20-foot-3-inch waterline, an 8-foot beam, and a displacement of 4,400 lbs. It was originally built entirely in marine ply. Construction later changed to a GRP hull with ply cockpit and decks over the GRP hulls.
The Mk I and Mk II use the same hull moulding, so both early generations share the same fundamental hull shape. The almost flush deck keeps the profile low and traditional, but it also restricts the accommodation to sitting headroom.
With the centreboard raised, draft is 2 feet 4 inches; with the plate down, it increases to 4 feet 3 inches. This gives the boat the shallow-water access and trailer-friendly profile that help define the class.
Rig and Handling
The gaff cutter rig, complete with jackyard topsail, is central to the boat’s character. Its cutter configuration allows a small crew to depower by dropping the topsail or jib, helping to keep the centre of effort manageable.
An outboard rudder and centreboard give the boat nimble handling in tight marina spaces compared with full-keel contemporaries. The stub keel and centreboard also suit drying moorings and shallow creeks. Documented hull speed is 6.03 knots.
Accommodation
Below decks, the arrangement is simple. The forepeak has two berths, with a marine WC between them. In the saloon, the table is fitted to the centreboard case, with a berth on either side. Together, these provide the advertised 2/4 berths in a single cabin. A small galley to starboard serves the saloon.
Headroom is limited to sitting height throughout, a direct consequence of the almost flush deck. As a result, the boat is better suited to camp-cruising and short stays than to liveaboard use.
Engine and Propulsion
Most Mk I boats had a Yanmar YSB8 diesel installed in a box in the forward part of the cockpit. Across the model, however, the engine specification usually appears as Yanmar diesels ranging from 8 to 18 BHP.
The engine-in-a-box arrangement centralises weight and makes access easier, but it takes up cockpit space. Shaft drive and modest power suit the boat’s displacement hull and short waterline.
Known Issues
Freshwater intrusion around deck fittings can saturate the plywood and cause rot. This produces soft spots that become worse if they’re left untreated. Because the deck is nearly flush, any failed sealant finds its way into the structure rather than shedding outward.
The metal centreboard and its pivot are also vulnerable to corrosion and jamming from marine growth. If the board isn’t hauled and serviced, it can seize.
Verdict
The Cornish Crabber 24 Mk I is a characterful pocket cruiser with traditional styling. It trades interior volume for shallow-water access and a manageable gaff cutter rig. Its plywood decks require disciplined maintenance, but the hull moulding shared with the Mk II and the boat’s continuous production lineage give buyers a well-understood platform.
Pros
- Centreboard keel with 2'4"–4'3" draft, suitable for creeks and trailer use
- Gaff cutter rig with jackyard topsail that can be depowered easily for short-handed sailing
- Simple, robust single-cabin layout with forepeak berths and saloon settees
Cons
- Sitting headroom only because of the almost flush deck
- Ply decks and cockpit over the GRP hull need vigilant sealing to prevent rot
- Centreboard pivot is prone to corrosion and jamming from marine growth
