Sailing Performance & Handling
The Hunt-designed Cal 24 is recognized for its stiffness and predictable handling, largely due to its high beam-to-length ratio and a modern fin keel. With a displacement of approximately 3,300 pounds and a ballast-to-displacement ratio near 40%, the vessel maintains a lower center of gravity than many of its 1980s contemporaries. This configuration allows the boat to carry its sail area longer into freshening breezes before requiring a reef.
Under sail, the boat exhibits the characteristic "Hunt" focus on tracking. While the earlier Lapworth designs were known for their surfing capabilities downwind, the Hunt Cal 24 is optimized for upwind efficiency and stability in a seaway. The spade rudder provides high-leverage control, making the boat responsive in tight quarters, though owners frequently note that the helm can become heavy if the boat is over-canvased. Its sail area-to-displacement ratio—typically calculated in the high 18s—positions it as a lively performer in light to moderate air, capable of out-pointing many traditional heavy-displacement cruisers of the same size.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The most striking feature of the Cal 24 (Hunt) is its interior volume, which was achieved by utilizing the maximum 8' 6" beam allowed for standard trailering. The layout was designed to accommodate a family of four, featuring a forward V-berth and two elongated settees in the main salon. Unlike earlier pocket cruisers that felt cramped, the Hunt version incorporates a functional, albeit compact, galley and a dedicated area for a portable or marine head located between the salon and the V-berth.
Materials used in the interior reflect the 1980s shift toward lower-maintenance surfaces; while teak trim is present, there is a greater use of molded fiberglass liners and easy-to-clean laminates. The "Hunt" generation of Cal boats included several siblings built with a similar design language, including the Cal 22, the Cal 28, and the Cal 33. The Cal 24 served as the middle-ground option, offering significantly more headroom and a more robust galley than the 22, while remaining more manageable for single-handed sailing than the 28.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers should approach a Cal 24 with a focus on the structural integrity of the deck and the mast support system. Like many production boats of this era, several specific technical areas require scrutiny:
- Mast Step and Compression: The deck-stepped mast relies on a compression post and a structural bulkhead. Over time, moisture can ingress at the mast step, softening the core and causing the deck to "dip." This often manifests as doors or bulkheads becoming misaligned or the rigging becoming difficult to tension.
- Chainplate Leaks: The stainless steel chainplates pass through the deck and are secured to the hull or bulkheads. If the caulking fails, water can wick into the plywood core of the bulkheads, leading to rot that compromises the structural shroud attachments.
- Keel-to-Hull Joint: Inspect the "Catalina Smile" equivalent on this model—a crack at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint. While often cosmetic, deep cracking can indicate that the keel bolts require tightening or that the internal floors have been stressed by a hard grounding.
- Rudder Delamination: The spade rudder consists of a foam core encased in fiberglass. Moisture can penetrate the seam where the rudder post enters the blade, leading to internal saturation and potential delamination or "bubbling" of the skin.
Community & Resources
The Cal 24 is supported by a dedicated network of enthusiasts. The Cal Boats Owners Association remains the primary repository for technical manuals, original brochures, and refit advice. Because the Hunt-designed models were produced during the later years of Jensen Marine (under Bangor Punta and Lear Siegler ownership), technical drawings are often found through the archives maintained by C. Raymond Hunt Associates.
The Verdict
The Cal 24 (Hunt) is an excellent choice for sailors seeking a modern, stable, and surprisingly spacious pocket cruiser that bridges the gap between a daysailer and a coastal voyager.
Pros:
- Exceptional Stability: The wide beam makes it a very "stiff" boat, providing confidence in higher wind speeds.
- Trailerable: At 8' 6" wide, it can be moved via a standard trailer without special wide-load permits in most regions.
- Interior Volume: Offers significantly more living space and "elbow room" than 1960s or 70s designs of the same length.
Cons:
- Age-Related Maintenance: Potential for deck core rot and bulkhead issues common to 1980s fiberglass construction.
- Weight: Being heavier than a pure racing dinghy or some early ultra-light displacement boats, it requires a substantial tow vehicle.
- Cockpit Ergonomics: The T-shaped cockpit can feel crowded with more than three adults during active racing maneuvers.
