Finesse 24 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Finesse 24 is defined by stability and predictability rather than raw speed. With a displacement of approximately 3 tons and a relatively modest sail area of 259 square feet, it is a heavy cruiser that excels at punching through the short, steep chop characteristic of the Thames Estuary. The boat was offered with three distinct rigs: a Bermudan sloop, a Bermudan cutter (the most popular), and a traditional gaff cutter. According to performance tests cited by the Finesse Owners Association, passage speeds typically average around 4.5 knots, with a theoretical hull speed of 6.4 knots.

Handling varies significantly based on the keel configuration. Most models feature a heavy galvanized centerplate combined with shallow bilge keels, allowing the boat to dry out upright on a mooring. When the plate is fully lowered, it extends the draft to nearly 7 feet, providing the lateral resistance necessary for respectable windward performance. Without the plate, the 24 is known to struggle when sailing close-hauled. The fixed-tiller steering is generally light, though the broad transom and full-bodied hull can make the boat feel heavy in a following sea.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The most striking feature of the Finesse 24 is its "gargantuan" interior volume for a vessel of its length. Unlike many 24-footers of the era that require a "crawling" posture, the 24 offers standing headroom of approximately 5'8" to 5'10" in the main saloon. The layout is remarkably practical, typically configured with four berths across two cabins. The saloon often features an offset companionway, which allows for a dedicated heads compartment and a generous galley area that benefits from the light provided by large, iconic portholes.

Materials below deck are almost exclusively varnished hardwoods, contributing to a warm, "ship-like" atmosphere. Variations in the model line include the smaller Finesse 21 and the larger Finesse 27 and 28. The Finesse 27 was a one-off stretch of the 24-foot hull, while the Finesse 28 was a redesign by the famed Maurice Griffiths, which removed the centerplate in favor of a fixed long keel.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus on the unique maintenance requirements of a clinker-built wooden hull. Technical discussions on the YBW and Finesse owner forums highlight several critical areas for inspection:

• Centerplate Pivot Bolt: A common failure point is the pivot bolt for the heavy centerplate. Because it is often made of galvanized steel and submerged in a restricted casing, it can wear thin or corrode, leading to the plate dropping or jamming.
• Deck Fastenings: While the hulls are often copper-riveted, some decks were fastened with galvanized steel nails before being sheathed in glass and epoxy. These nails can rust, causing "blistering" in the deck sheathing as the metal expands.
• Keel Bolts and Floors: Given the age of these vessels, the primary keel bolts (often galvanized) should be inspected for "necking" or wasting, particularly where they pass through the Iroko or oak floors.
• Centerplate Casing Leaks: The joint between the wooden keel and the centerplate box is a notorious location for persistent leaks if the boat has been allowed to dry out excessively on land.

Community & Resources

The model is supported by a dedicated community, most notably the Finesse Owners Association, which maintains a registry of surviving boats and provides technical archives, including original builder specification sheets and historical brochures.

The Verdict

The Finesse 24 is an ideal choice for the traditionalist who prioritizes cabin comfort and shoal-draft flexibility over racing performance. It is a "proper little ship" that rewards consistent maintenance with immense character.

Pros:

• Exceptional interior headroom and volume for a 24-foot boat.
• Ability to dry out on tidal moorings thanks to the centerplate/bilge keel design.
• Robust construction using high-quality timbers like Iroko and Rock Elm.
• Steady, "vice-free" handling in heavy weather.

Cons:

• Requires the high maintenance schedule inherent to wooden clinker hulls.
• Poor windward performance if the centerplate is not utilized or maintained.
• Non-self-draining cockpits on earlier models can be a safety concern in offshore conditions.