Kiwi 24 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Kiwi 24 are dictated by its IOR heritage, featuring a pinched stern, a relatively wide beam amidships, and a high-aspect rig. With a displacement-to-length ratio that leans toward the lighter side for its era, the boat is exceptionally responsive in light-to-moderate air. It excels on the wind, a hallmark of Ron Holland Design, where it can point high and maintain momentum through a chop that would stop many other 24-footers.

However, this performance comes with the typical IOR "temperament." Because of the narrow stern and deep, teardrop-shaped hull, the boat can become "squirrelly" when pressed hard off the wind in a blow. This tendency toward a rhythmic roll (often called the "death roll" by racers of the period) requires an active hand on the tiller and careful spinnaker management. The high Sail Area/Displacement ratio ensures that the boat powers up quickly, making it a favorite for PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) racing where its ability to sail to its rating in light air is well-documented.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Kiwi 24 is modest, prioritizing structural integrity and weight distribution over luxury. It features a traditional "four-berth" layout: a V-berth forward, a central area with two settee berths, and occasionally a small quarter berth depending on the specific deck mold used. Headroom is limited, as is common in Quarter Tonners, necessitating a "crawling" lifestyle below deck.

The galley and navigation facilities are rudimentary, typically consisting of a small sink and a space for a portable stove. In terms of sibling models, the Kiwi 24 shares DNA with the Eygthene 24, though the Kiwi version was often built with a slightly more refined deck layout for the American market. While most Kiwi 24s were built with a fixed fin keel for maximum racing efficiency, a small number of variants were experimented with for different regional depths, though the deep-draft fin remains the standard for performance-oriented owners.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Kiwi 24 with a focus on structural longevity, as these boats were often raced hard.

• Deck Core Saturation: Like many production boats of the late 70s, the Kiwi 24 utilized a balsa-cored deck. Soft spots around the chainplates, stanchion bases, and the mast step are common and can indicate significant delamination.
• Chainplate Attachments: The load on the rig is high for a boat of this size. Inspect the bulkheads where the chainplates are through-bolted for signs of water ingress, rot, or structural movement.
• Rudder Bearing Wear: The high-aspect spade rudder is prone to developing "play" or "slop" in the bushings. While not a catastrophic failure point, it significantly degrades the helm's "feel" and responsiveness.
• Keel Bolt Integrity: Given the age and the racing history of many hulls, the keel-to-hull joint (the "smile") should be inspected for signs of weeping or movement, which may necessitate dropping the keel and replacing the bolts.

Community & Resources

The Kiwi 24 benefits from a shared community with other Ron Holland designs. Owners often find technical support and historical data through the Quarter Ton Class associations, which have seen a massive resurgence in Europe and are beginning to see more interest in North America. Documentation on the boat’s specific building techniques is often discussed within the broader context of Kiwi Boats’ history in Florida.

The Verdict

The Kiwi 24 is a "sailor’s sailboat," offering a level of sophistication in hull design and rig tuning that is rarely found in modern entry-level cruisers. It is an ideal platform for those who want to learn the nuances of sail trim and enjoy the thrill of a boat that talks back to the helm.

Pros:

• Exceptional upwind performance and light-air agility.
• Strong pedigree from a world-class naval architect.
• Active presence in the classic racing circuit (Quarter Tonners).
• Trailerable with the right equipment, allowing for versatile sailing venues.

Cons:

• Challenging handling characteristics off the wind in heavy air.
• Cramped interior with very limited headroom and amenities.
• Common aging issues related to balsa core and deck hardware.