Laguna 24 S Information, Review, Specs

While the "S" designation often implies a "Standard" or "Sloop" configuration within the Laguna lineup, the hull remains consistent with the Turner-designed lineage that later transitioned to the Classic Yachts brand in the late 1980s. The boat’s construction is heavy-handed by modern standards, featuring a solid fiberglass hull that provides a sense of security in choppy coastal conditions, a hallmark of Laguna’s design philosophy during their tenure in Stanton, California.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Laguna 24 S are defined by its significant displacement-to-length ratio and its high ballast-to-displacement ratio, often hovering around 35%. This makes the boat exceptionally stiff and forgiving for novice sailors. Designed by W. Shad Turner to be a "big" 24-footer, the boat tracks well due to its longish low-profile keel, though it lacks the pointing ability of a dedicated racing fin-keel design. Owners generally report that the boat feels most at home in 10 to 15 knots of breeze; in lighter air, the relatively heavy hull and modest sail area can make it feel somewhat sluggish.

The 24 S typically utilizes a masthead sloop rig. Because the boat was often equipped with a swing keel (though fixed keel versions exist), its performance varies significantly based on the point of sail. Off the wind, the boat is stable and carries its momentum well through swells. However, the high freeboard that creates so much interior room acts as a sail itself, which can lead to significant windage when docking in a crosswind or attempting to beat into a stiff chop. Technical notes from the original Windrose and Laguna marketing materials emphasize the boat’s "self-righting" capabilities and offshore-style cockpit drainage, which were sophisticated safety features for a trailerable boat of this size.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Laguna 24 S is where the vessel truly distanced itself from its competition. By utilizing a high-volume hull and a wide 8-foot beam, Shad Turner created a cabin that feels remarkably spacious for a 24-foot boat. The most notable feature of many 24 S models is the "pop-top" hatch. When raised, this fiberglass section of the cabin trunk provides full standing headroom in the galley and main salon area—a luxury rarely found in trailerable boats.

The layout generally follows a traditional cruising plan: a forward V-berth with a privacy curtain or door, a central salon with a dinette that converts into a double berth, and a compact galley located near the companionway for ventilation. High-authority technical summaries from the period note that the boat was often fitted with a dedicated head (toilet) compartment, rather than a simple porta-potti tucked under a cushion. Sibling models, such as the Laguna 26 and the later Classic 25, built upon this same interior philosophy, often adding more dedicated storage or permanent bulkheads, but the 24 S remains the most balanced iteration of the "maximize the volume" design goal.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Laguna 24 S should focus their inspection on the structural integrity of the "pop-top" mechanism and the swing keel assembly, as these are the most common points of failure.

• Swing Keel Bolt and Cable: For models equipped with a retractable keel, the pivot bolt and the lifting cable are critical safety items. The keel trunk can also develop "clunking" sounds if the side-slap spacers have worn down, which can lead to fiberglass stress over time.
• Deck Core Saturation: Like many fiberglass boats of the late 70s, the Laguna 24 S uses a balsa-cored deck. Moisture often penetrates the core through poorly bedded deck hardware, particularly around the stanchion bases and the chainplates. A soft or "spongy" feel underfoot is a primary red flag.
• Compression Post: The mast is deck-stepped, meaning all the downward force is supported by a compression post inside the cabin. Buyers should check the base of this post for rot and the deck above it for any sagging or "dishing."
• Hull-to-Deck Joint: The Laguna 24 S uses a standard chemical and mechanical bond for the hull-to-deck joint. Over decades, this seal can fail, leading to leaks that manifest inside the cabin cabinetry.

The Verdict

The Laguna 24 S remains a stout, reliable choice for sailors who prioritize safety and interior living space over raw speed. Its heritage as a Shad Turner design ensures that it handles predictably, while its construction reflects the "overbuilt" era of California fiberglass manufacturing.

Pros

• Exceptional Volume: The pop-top and wide beam provide standing headroom and sleeping space for a small family.
• Stability: High ballast ratio makes it a very "stiff" and safe-feeling boat in a breeze.
• Trailerability: Despite its size, it is narrow enough for standard road towing (though a heavy-duty vehicle is required).
• Durability: Solid fiberglass hull construction that resists osmotic blistering better than many contemporary designs.

Cons

• Windage: High freeboard makes the boat difficult to maneuver in tight marinas during high winds.
• Light Air Performance: The boat is relatively heavy and can be slow in winds under 8 knots.
• Maintenance: Older swing keel systems require regular underwater maintenance and hardware replacement.