Eastward HO 24 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Eastward Ho 24 behaves more like a traditional workboat or a small motor-sailer than a nimble sloop. With a displacement of approximately 7,000 pounds and a full keel with an encapsulated lead ballast, the boat offers a stable, "big boat" feel that is rare in the 20-to-25-foot category. The high displacement-to-length ratio ensures that the boat is not easily pushed around by a chop, providing a sea-kindly motion that reduces fatigue during coastal passages.

However, the trade-off for this stability is a lack of agility. The Eastward Ho 24 is not known for its ability to point high into the wind, and in light airs, its modest sail area struggles to overcome the wetted surface area of the full keel. It is a vessel designed to be "muttered" along with the assistance of its inboard engine when the wind dies or turns foul. Owners frequently report that the boat tracks exceptionally well on a reach, making it a relaxing platform for single-handed sailing. According to the technical archives of the Eastward Ho Association, the boat’s design was intended to provide a safe, upright experience for families, prioritizing comfort over the "rail-down" exhilaration sought by racers.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The defining characteristic of the Eastward Ho 24 is its cavernous interior. Thanks to the nearly 10-foot beam and high freeboard, the boat boasts nearly six feet of standing headroom—a feat almost unheard of in a 24-foot sailboat. The layout typically features a V-berth forward, a compact galley, and a dinette that converts into an additional berth. The use of space is reminiscent of a pocket trawler, with substantial storage lockers and a sense of volume that allows two people to cruise for extended periods without feeling cramped.

C. E. Ryder utilized the same hull for the Eastward Ho 24 as was used for the Portsmouth 22 (a powerboat version), which explains the hull's efficiency under power. While the Eastward Ho 24 remained the primary sailing variant, the model saw a larger sibling in the Eastward Ho 31. The 31-footer followed the same Eldredge-McInnis philosophy of "fat and salty," providing even more significant offshore capability. Inside the 24, the joinery is typical of the Bristol, Rhode Island, boat-building tradition: sturdy, functional, and heavy on teak accents, though later models built as the company neared its 1990 closure may show more varied finish qualities.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Eastward Ho 24 with a focus on its age and the specific construction methods of the C. E. Ryder era.

1. Fuel Tank Integrity: Many Eastward Ho 24s were originally equipped with iron or aluminum fuel tanks located under the cockpit sole. Over decades, condensation and salt-air exposure can lead to pinhole leaks or significant corrosion. Replacing these tanks often requires cutting into the cockpit floor, a major structural undertaking.
2. Deck Core Moisture: Like many fiberglass boats of the 1970s and 80s, the Eastward Ho 24 uses a balsa-cored deck. High-stress areas around the chainplates, stanchion bases, and the Tabernacle mast step are prone to water intrusion if the bedding compound has failed. A percussion "tap test" or moisture meter is essential during inspection.
3. Engine Maintenance: Because the boat relies heavily on its auxiliary power, the condition of the inboard diesel (often a Westerbeke or Perkins) is critical. Check for signs of "exhaust elbow" clogging and heat exchanger scale, which are common in these older marine engines.
4. Rudder Hardware: The massive barn-door rudder is attached to the trailing edge of the full keel. The pintles and gudgeons should be inspected for play or galvanic corrosion, as a failure here can lead to a complete loss of steering.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for owners is the Eastward Ho Association, a dedicated group that maintains an archive of original brochures, maintenance tips, and a registry of existing hulls. This community is a vital resource for finding replacement parts or advice on modifying the rig for better light-wind performance.

The Verdict

The Eastward Ho 24 is a "soul boat" for the sailor who values character, safety, and interior volume above all else. It is an ideal choice for a couple or a small family looking to explore coastal sounds and protected bays in a vessel that feels significantly more substantial than its length would suggest.

Pros:

• Exceptional interior volume and standing headroom for its size.
• Heavy-displacement stability provides a comfortable ride in a sea-way.
• Robust construction from a respected Bristol, Rhode Island builder.
• Strong community support and "classic" aesthetic appeal.

Cons:

• Poor light-wind performance and limited ability to sail close-hauled.
• Heavy reliance on the inboard engine for maneuvering and upwind progress.
• Potential for costly fuel tank or deck core repairs due to age.