Sailing Performance & Handling
The Kelley 24 is designed as a moderate-displacement cruiser with a performance profile that leans toward stability and light-air efficiency. With a Sail Area-to-Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of approximately 19.0, the boat is remarkably capable in light-to-moderate breezes, often outperforming heavier cruisers of similar length. Technical data from the PHRF Lake Erie database assigns the model a base rating of 177, suggesting it possesses a respectable turn of speed for a pocket cruiser.
Handling is largely defined by its lifting keel (often referred to as a drop keel) configuration. This allows for a minimal draft of just over one foot when the keel is retracted, making it an ideal candidate for gunkholing and "beachable" exploration. When the keel is fully deployed to its five-foot depth, the boat gains the necessary bite to track well upwind, though its high-volume hull and moderate Displacement-to-Length (D/L) ratio of 221 mean it is better suited for comfortable coastal hopping than aggressive windward racing. Owners often report a "stiff" sailing experience, where the boat resists excessive heeling due to its wide beam, providing a sense of security for less experienced crews.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The primary draw of the Kelley 24’s interior is its volume. Bruce Kelley’s design utilized the 9.2-foot beam to create an cabin that feels larger than most 26-footers. The interior typically features a standard pocket-cruiser layout: a forward V-berth, twin settees in the main salon, and a compact galley area. Because of the boat's width, the settees are pushed further outboard, allowing for more floor space and a less cramped feeling during overnight stays.
The lifting keel trunk is integrated into the cabin's furniture, often serving as a mounting point for a small folding table. While the boat was primarily marketed in a single configuration, it shares a design lineage with its larger siblings, the Kelley 28 and the Kelley 34. These larger variants built upon the same philosophy of maximizing beam for interior luxury, with the 34-foot model eventually offering more dedicated offshore capabilities and standing headroom that the 24-foot model lacks in some areas.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers should focus their inspections on the unique mechanical and structural elements of a 1970s fiberglass build:
- Keel Pivot and Lift Mechanism: The drop keel is the boat's most complex mechanical part. Inspect the pivot bolt for wear and the lifting cable/winch for corrosion. A rattling keel while underway is a high-signal indicator of worn bushings or a loose pivot pin.
- Deck Core Integrity: Like many fiberglass boats of this vintage, the Kelley 24 utilized a sandwich construction for the decks. Check for "spongy" sections around the mast step and chainplates, which indicate moisture penetration and core delamination.
- Chainplate Leaks: Small leaks at the chainplates can lead to hidden rot in the interior bulkheads. Ensure the hardware is properly bedded and the wooden structural members below are dry and firm.
- Rudder Play: The transom-mounted or spade rudders on these models are prone to developing play in the bushings over decades of use. Check for excessive movement in the tiller head.
The Verdict
The Kelley 24 remains a rare but highly regarded find for sailors who prioritize interior space and shallow-water access in a trailerable package.
Pros:
- Exceptional interior volume for a 24-foot vessel.
- Stable and stiff sailing characteristics due to the wide beam.
- Versatile lifting keel allows for exploration of very shallow waters.
- Responsive in light wind conditions.
Cons:
- Limited production numbers make finding spare parts or model-specific advice difficult.
- The wide beam may require special permits for over-the-road trailering in some jurisdictions.
- Older lifting keel hardware requires diligent maintenance to prevent failure.
