Hurley 24/70 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Hurley 24/70 is characterized by its exceptional stiffness and heavy-weather capability. With a ballast ratio often cited near 60%, it is significantly more stable than many modern counterparts of similar length. The design utilizes a fin-and-skeg configuration or an encapsulated twin-keel (bilge) arrangement, both of which provide a sure-footed feel in a blow. Editorial reviews in Practical Boat Owner have described the boat as a "tough little battleship" that takes rough conditions in its stride, maintaining a dry deck even when punching through chop.

The high-aspect masthead rig and relatively small mainsail mean the boat is rarely over-canvassed, and its long waterline—extended by the reverse-counter transom—allows it to maintain hull speed efficiently. However, the technical trade-off for this stability is a high displacement-to-length ratio. In light airs, the 24/70 can feel underpowered, requiring a generous genoa to maintain momentum. Conversely, when the wind picks up, the boat finds its rhythm, tracking well with a light helm thanks to the balanced skeg-hung rudder. Owners frequently report that the boat remains manageable for solo sailors due to its predictable motion and lack of "twitchiness" compared to lighter, fin-keel racing designs of the same era.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The most striking feature of the 24/70, especially when compared to its predecessors, is the interior volume. By raising the topsides and restyling the coachroof, Ian Anderson achieved nearly six feet of standing headroom (approx. 1.8m) in the main saloon—a rarity for a 24-foot vessel in the early 1970s. The layout typically accommodates four to five berths: a double V-berth in the forepeak, two settee berths in the saloon, and occasionally a quarter berth to starboard.

The "70" designation brought a more sophisticated interior finish, often utilizing a molded GRP headlining that is easy to maintain and resistant to the "droop" common in fabric-lined older boats. The galley is functional for coastal hops, featuring a sink and space for a two-burner stove. Crucially, the boat includes a dedicated, enclosed heads compartment, which was a major selling point for families moving up from smaller daysailers. After Hurley Marine ceased operations in 1974, the molds were acquired by Atlanta Marine, which lengthened the hull slightly to produce the Atlanta 25, a sibling model that shares the same fundamental lines but often features different interior woodwork and fittings.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Hurley 24/70 earned a niche in British sailing history through the story of Black Velvet, one of the last units built before the company’s closure. As noted by the Hurley Owners Association, the boat was reportedly "stolen" by its owner just before the receivers moved in, allowing it to compete in the 1974 Round Britain and Ireland Race. This feat solidified the model’s reputation as a legitimate offshore contender despite its diminutive size. More recently, the boat was featured in a retrospective by Yachting Monthly, which praised its longevity and "bulletproof" construction as a second-hand buy.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus on several era-specific technical areas. While the hulls are solidly built, they are not immune to osmotic blistering, a common trait of early GRP layups; many surviving examples have undergone preventative epoxy treatments.

• Mast Support: Check for compression at the deck-stepped mast base. If the internal support pillar or the bulkhead shows signs of rot or movement, the deck may "smile" or sag, affecting rig tension.
• Original Engines: Many 24/70s were originally fitted with Vire petrol engines or Petter diesel units. Most have since been re-powered with modern Yanmar or Beta diesels; if the original engine remains, it should be viewed as a candidate for immediate replacement.
• Encapsulated Keels: On bilge-keel versions, inspect the encapsulation for signs of "wicking" or moisture entry. While the 24/70 avoids the issue of traditional keel bolts, water trapped within the keel molding can cause internal corrosion of the iron or lead ballast over decades.
• Window Leaks: The large, single-panel acrylic windows are prone to leaking if the original seals have perished, though they are relatively straightforward to remove and re-bed.

Community & Resources

The Hurley Owners Association remains the definitive technical resource for the 24/70. It provides an extensive archive of original brochures, maintenance manuals, and a registry of hull numbers. The association is particularly active in the UK, where most of the approximately 200 built units still reside.

The Verdict

The Hurley 24/70 is a quintessential "pocket cruiser" that prioritizes seaworthiness and interior volume over raw speed. It is an ideal entry-level yacht for a couple or small family looking to graduate from coastal daysailing to cross-channel cruising.

Pros:

• Exceptional standing headroom (5'11") for its class.
• Extremely stiff and seakindly in heavy weather.
• No keel bolts to maintain (encapsulated ballast).
• Active and supportive owner association.

Cons:

• Heavy displacement makes it sluggish in light winds.
• Narrow side decks can make moving forward feel cramped.
• High freeboard and coachroof increase windage when docking.