Islander 24 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Islander 24 is a traditionalist’s sailing machine, characterized by a long fin keel and a protected, transom-hung or aperture-mounted rudder. With a displacement of approximately 4,350 lbs and nearly 1,700 lbs of ballast, it possesses a high ballast-to-displacement ratio (roughly 39%), making it exceptionally stiff and forgiving in a blow. Unlike modern flat-bottomed sportboats, the Islander 24 relies on its weight and deep-V entry to slice through chop rather than bouncing over it.

Under sail, the boat tracks with remarkable consistency, a trait attributed to its long lateral plane. While it lacks the "pointability" of a modern fin-keel racer, it excels on a reach, where its momentum helps it maintain speed through lulls. The sail area-to-displacement (SA/D) ratio is modest, meaning the boat can feel underpowered in light air (under 8 knots), but it truly comes alive when the whitecaps appear. According to historical notes from the Islander 36 Association, the 24 was known for its "big boat" feel, providing a sense of security that encouraged early fiberglass adopters to venture beyond the breakwater.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 24-foot vessel designed in the 1960s, the interior of the Islander 24 is surprisingly utilitarian and cozy. The layout typically features a V-berth forward, followed by a small head (often a porta-potti in original configurations) and a main cabin with two longitudinal settees. The small galley is usually positioned aft near the companionway to provide better ventilation and easier access for the cook.

Several variations of this hull exist due to the complex corporate history of Wayfarer and Columbia. The "Standard" Islander 24 features a traditional trunk cabin providing decent headroom for its size (approximately 5'8"). The "Islander Bahama 24" variant was later introduced as a more affordable, simplified version, often featuring a different interior liner and simplified rigging. A more radical sibling is the Contender 24, which utilized the same McGlasson hull but featured a flush deck, significantly increasing the exterior work area while sacrificing interior volume. Another sibling, the Challenger 24, offered a raised deck configuration that maximized internal "living room" at the expense of a traditional silhouette.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Islander 24 with the understanding that these vessels are now over 60 years old. While the hulls were "overbuilt" with thick, solid fiberglass laminates, several age-related areas require scrutiny:

1. Deck Delamination: The decks were typically constructed with a plywood or balsa core. Over decades, leaks at the stanchion bases or chainplates often lead to core rot, resulting in "soft spots" that require a labor-intensive "drill and fill" or full recore.
2. Compression Arch/Post: The Islander 24 uses a deck-stepped mast. The support structure beneath the mast step (often a wooden arch or compression post) can compress over time if water has intruded, leading to a visible "sag" in the cabin top and loose standing rigging.
3. Keel Bolts & Ballast: Early models often used encapsulated iron or lead ballast. If the fiberglass "envelope" around the keel is breached (often from "thinning" at the bottom of the keel), water can cause iron ballast to swell and crack the keel structure.
4. Chainplate Bulkheads: The chainplates are bolted to wooden bulkheads. Inspect these carefully for "black rot" or water staining, which indicates that the structural integrity of the rig tension is compromised.

Community & Resources

The Islander 24 benefits from a robust legacy community. While it does not have its own exclusive national registry, it is a primary subject of interest within the Islander 36 Association, which maintains a technical repository for all McGlasson-designed hulls. Additionally, the Columbia Yacht Owners association provides significant cross-over documentation, as the early Columbia 24s are virtually identical in hull construction and rig.

The Verdict

The Islander 24 is a rugged, "soulful" pocket cruiser that offers a tangible link to the golden age of California yacht design. It is an ideal choice for a solo sailor or a couple seeking a vintage aesthetic and high-seas stability on a modest budget.

Pros:

• Exceptional Seaworthiness: Heavy displacement and high ballast ratio make it very stable.
• Historical Significance: Own a piece of the McGlasson/Columbia legacy with the unique wood-grain hull.
• Robust Construction: Solid fiberglass hulls that are significantly thicker than modern counterparts.

Cons:

• Light Air Performance: Struggles in light winds due to its heavy weight and wetted surface area.
• Age-Related Maintenance: Buyers must be prepared to address deck rot and aging electrical systems.
• Limited Headroom: Taller sailors will find the 5'8" clearance restrictive for long-term cruising.