Foxhound 24 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Foxhound 24 was conceived as a competitive club racer that could perform "round the cans" while remaining manageable for a short-handed crew. Its technical profile—featuring a displacement of approximately 2,800 lbs and a sail area of roughly 204 square feet—places it firmly in the category of a moderately powered cruiser-racer. Under sail, the boat is characterized by a high fractional rig that allows for precise tuning, a feature that owners frequently cite as a primary reason for its longevity in the second-hand market.

Handling is generally described as nimble and responsive, a trait inherited from its smaller sibling, the Foxcub 18. The hull’s moderate beam of 8 feet 3 inches provides a stable platform, yet the boat remains sensitive to trim. On the water, the Foxhound 24 feels light and "flighty" compared to heavier displacement cruisers of the same era, but it maintains a reputation for being able to survive a "serious blow" without losing its composure. The 4-foot-6-inch fin keel provides significant lift and allows for tight upwind angles, making it a favorite for Solent-based sailors who often have to contend with strong tides and variable conditions.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel under 24 feet, the Foxhound 24 offers a practical, if compact, living arrangement. The interior layout typically consists of four berths split between two cabins: a V-berth in the forepeak and two settee berths in the main saloon. Because many of these boats were sold as kits or "home-finished" to keep costs accessible, the quality of the interior woodwork and joinery can vary significantly between individual hulls.

Headroom is limited—typical for a racer-derived hull of this size—forcing most adults to stoop. The central saloon area generally includes a basic galley and a small navigation station. Variations in the model are most notable in the keel configuration; while the fin keel is the most common, a few lift-keel versions were produced to accommodate the shallow estuaries of the British coastline. The Foxhound 24’s sibling, the Foxhound 7.01, represents a slightly modernized metric adaptation of the design, though it maintains the same core hull characteristics.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Foxhound 24 with the understanding that these are aging hulls, many of which have seen rigorous use in club racing.

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many GRP boats from the late 70s, the Foxhound 24 often utilized a balsa or plywood core for the deck. Soft spots, particularly around the mast step and stanchion bases, are a common sign of delamination and water ingress.
• Keel-to-Hull Joint: Given its racing heritage, the keel bolts and the surrounding laminate should be inspected for "smile" cracks or signs of movement, which can occur after hard groundings or years of high-load racing.
• Rigging Geometry: Some owners have reported issues with the original rig specifications, specifically regarding spreader angles and forestay length. If the boat "wobbles" in a breeze or the mast shows an unusual rake, a professional rigger should verify the shroud tensions and stay lengths.
• Interior Finish: Because of the prevalence of home-finished interiors, electrical wiring and plumbing are often non-standard. A thorough audit of the 12V system is recommended to ensure it meets modern safety standards.
• Keel Box (Lift-Keel Variants): For the rarer lift-keel models, the hydraulic or manual lifting mechanism and the keel trunk itself are prone to leaks and corrosion.

The Verdict

The Foxhound 24 remains a sought-after entry-level yacht for those who prioritize sailing sensation over dockside luxury. It is a testament to the build quality of John Macintosh’s Copland Boats and the enduring appeal of the "Fox" design philosophy.

Pros:

• Excellent light-air performance and upwind capability.
• Robust construction capable of handling coastal "blows."
• Active second-hand market with an affordable entry price.
• Large cockpit well-suited for racing or day-sailing.

Cons:

• Variable interior quality due to many being home-finished.
• Limited headroom and cramped accommodations for extended cruising.
• Potential for hidden deck core issues in older hulls.