EM 24 Information, Review, Specs

The vessel's lineage is closely tied to its siblings, most notably the EM 25, which offered a slightly extended waterline and refined cabin profile, and the smaller EM 7 and EM 20 models. According to the SIBMA Navale History, these early plywood designs established the shipyard’s reputation for craftsmanship long before they became specialists in the restoration of international metric classes like the 6mR and 8mR. Today, the EM 24 is regarded as a "Classic Boat" in the Italian domestic market, appealing to traditionalists who value the tactile nature of wood and the historical significance of the Quaranta designs.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The EM 24 utilizes a hard-chine hull form, a design choice driven by the limitations of plywood but one that offers distinct performance advantages. In a breeze, the boat leans onto its chine, which acts as a secondary "rail," providing a significant increase in form stability that helps the boat track straight and resist further heeling. This makes the EM 24 feel remarkably "stiff" for a 24-foot vessel, a trait often noted in technical retrospectives of the era.

The sail plan is typically a high-aspect masthead sloop, which provides enough power to move the lightweight plywood hull efficiently in light Mediterranean airs. Because the displacement is relatively low compared to heavy-displacement full-keel wooden boats, the EM 24 is responsive to helm inputs and accelerates quickly out of tacks. However, the flat panels of the chined hull can lead to "slamming" when heading directly into a short, steep chop—a common trade-off for this construction method. Handling remains manageable for a single-handed sailor, as the cockpit layout was designed with accessibility in mind, often featuring a simple tiller arrangement that provides direct feedback from the rudder.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel of its era and size, the EM 24 offers a surprisingly functional interior, characterized by the warm, mahogany-toned finishes typical of SIBMA’s output. The layout generally follows a traditional four-berth configuration: a V-berth in the bow and two longitudinal settees in the main salon that double as sea berths. The use of plywood allowed for flat, clean joinery, which Ernesto Quaranta utilized to create integrated storage lockers and a compact galley area near the companionway.

Variations of the EM 24 were produced to suit different sailing environments, with some featuring a fixed fin keel for better windward performance and others utilizing a lifting keel for shallow-water versatility. The interior experience is defined by the vessel’s beam, which is carried well aft thanks to the chined hull, providing more shoulder room in the cabin than many narrow-entry boats of the same length. While the EM 25 eventually superseded it with more headroom and a slightly larger galley, the EM 24 remains the more sought-after model for those seeking the original, purest expression of the SIBMA plywood cruiser.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective owners of an EM 24 must approach the vessel primarily as a wooden boat, with all the specialized maintenance that entails. While marine plywood is durable when properly sealed, the "achilles heel" of these boats is moisture ingress at the joints and edges.

• Chine Integrity: The most critical area for inspection is the longitudinal joint where the hull panels meet (the chine). Any signs of "softness," darkening of the wood, or delamination of the plywood layers here indicate structural rot that is costly to repair.
• Deck-to-Hull Joint: Inspect the perimeter where the deck meets the hull. Early models relied on mechanical fasteners and adhesives that can fail over decades, leading to leaks that rot the interior bulkheads.
• Keel Bolt Reinforcement: Ensure the area around the keel bolts is reinforced and dry. In plywood construction, the compression of the keel against the hull can sometimes lead to crushing of the timber if the backing plates were undersized or if moisture has compromised the core.
• Epoxy Saturation: Many surviving EM 24s have been "West Systemmed" or encased in epoxy and fiberglass cloth. While this can extend the boat's life, a poor application can trap moisture inside the wood, leading to "dry rot." Buyers should look for a "tink" sound when tapping the hull with a plastic hammer; a dull thud may indicate a void or rot.

Community & Resources

The primary resource for the EM 24 remains the shipyard itself. SIBMA Navale Italiana, now led by Mario Quaranta in Dolcedo, continues to maintain an archive of their historical designs and is often a point of contact for owners seeking original specifications or restoration advice. While there is no large international "class association," the boat is a frequent participant in Italian "Vele d'Epoca" (Vintage Sails) events and classic boat rallies along the Ligurian coast. Technical discussions regarding the maintenance of these specific plywood hulls can frequently be found within Italian-language classic boat forums, where the EM series is celebrated as a "cult" classic of national maritime history.

The Verdict

The EM 24 is a connoisseur’s micro-cruiser, offering a blend of 1960s Italian flair and honest, performance-oriented design. It is less a "starter boat" and more a "custodian's boat," requiring an owner who understands the nuances of timber maintenance.

Pros

• Exceptional Stability: The hard-chine design provides a very stable platform for a boat under 25 feet.
• Aesthetic Heritage: Features the classic lines and wooden craftsmanship of a renowned Italian shipyard.
• Light-Air Agility: The lightweight plywood construction ensures good performance in light to moderate winds.

Cons

• Maintenance Intensive: Plywood hulls require meticulous attention to paint and sealant to prevent rot.
• Ride Quality: Can be prone to slamming in heavy head seas compared to round-bilge fiberglass boats.
• Aging Infrastructure: Most examples require a thorough survey of the hull-to-keel connection and chine joints.