Leisure 24 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Leisure 24 is characterized by its remarkable stiffness and predictable "big boat" feel. This is largely due to its relatively high ballast ratio—often exceeding 40%—which allows the vessel to stand up to its canvas long after lighter boats of similar length have been forced to reef. While the Leisure 24 was available in both fin and twin (bilge) keel configurations, the twin keel version is far more prevalent. These bilge keels allow the boat to take the ground upright, making it an ideal choice for the tidal estuaries and drying moorings of the UK’s East Coast.

The boat’s handling is more focused on safety and stability than outright speed. With a displacement-to-length ratio that leans toward the "heavy cruiser" end of the spectrum for its size, it tracks well and does not suffer from the skittishness often found in modern, lightweight French designs of the same era. Owners frequently report that the boat handles heavy weather with a level of "sea-kindliness" that belies its 24-foot length. However, like its sibling, the Leisure 23, the twin-keel version can be somewhat hampered when tacking in light winds or attempting to point extremely high to windward. The use of a high-aspect-ratio masthead rig provides sufficient power to overcome the drag of the twin keels in a moderate breeze, but the Leisure 24 is ultimately a coastal hopper, not a racing yacht.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Leisure 24 is widely regarded as its strongest selling point, offering a level of accommodation typically reserved for 26- to 28-foot vessels. By utilizing a GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) inner liner, the builders created a clean, easily maintained living space that maximizes every inch of the Frank Pryor hull. The "SL" coachroof, which carries over from the Leisure 23SL, provides approximately 5’10” (1.78m) of headroom, a significant achievement for a 24-foot boat.

The layout generally accommodates five berths: a double "V-berth" in the forecabin, a convertible double in the main saloon, and a single quarter berth to port. The galley is typically positioned to starboard, featuring a two-burner stove and a small sink, while a separate heads compartment—a luxury in this size class—is situated between the saloon and the forecabin. The Leisure 24's siblings, the Leisure 23 and 23SL, share this layout, but the 24 often features higher-quality joinery and updated electrical systems reflecting its later production dates under Cory Yachts. The use of large "wraparound" style windows in the coachroof allows an abundance of natural light into the cabin, mitigating the "cave-like" feel common in older 1970s cruisers.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus on several model-specific areas during a pre-purchase inspection. While the GRP layup on Leisure yachts is notoriously robust, the following "gotchas" are common for the Leisure 24 and its 23-foot predecessors:

1. Window Seals: The large, distinctive coachroof windows are prone to leaking if the original bedding compound has degraded. Because these windows wrap around the corners of the coachroof, they are subject to more structural flexing than flat windows, making them a primary source of cabin moisture.
2. Keel Bolt Integrity: On twin-keel models, the stresses of taking the ground repeatedly over several decades can lead to "weeping" at the keel-to-hull joint. Check the internal reinforcing ribs and the condition of the keel bolts for signs of rust or movement.
3. Rudder Bushings: The transom-hung rudder is simple and effective, but the pintles and gudgeons can develop play over time. Excessive "clunking" while under power or sail usually indicates that the nylon bushings require replacement.
4. Osmosis: While not more prone to blistering than other boats of its era, older Leisure hulls should be checked with a moisture meter, especially those that have spent their entire lives in the water rather than on a trailer.
5. Rigging and Chainplates: Since many Leisure 24s are used for coastal cruising, ensure the chainplates (where the shrouds attach to the hull) are not showing signs of stress cracking or water ingress into the deck core.

Community & Resources

The Leisure 24 benefits from one of the most active and technically proficient owner communities in the United Kingdom. The Leisure Owners Association is an essential resource, providing a massive archive of technical manuals, original brochures, and a forum where owners discuss everything from engine replacements to keel reinforcement. The association is unique in that it maintains a close historical record of the transition from Cobramold to Brinecraft and finally to Cory Yachts, ensuring that technical data for even the rarer 24-foot models remains accessible to current owners.

The Verdict

The Leisure 24 is the "grand tourer" of the pocket-cruiser world. It takes a proven, seaworthy hull and adds the modern conveniences and aesthetic touches required for comfortable weekend voyaging. While it will never win a light-air regatta, it offers a sense of security and a level of interior volume that is difficult to find elsewhere for the price.

Pros:

• Exceptional Headroom: Rare for a boat under 25 feet.
• Stiff and Safe: High ballast ratio makes it a forgiving vessel for novice sailors.
• Drying Capability: The bilge keel configuration is perfect for exploring shallow or tidal regions.
• Ease of Access: The sugar-scoop transom is a major functional upgrade over the flat-transom Leisure 23.

Cons:

• Light Air Performance: The heavy displacement and twin keels make it sluggish in light winds.
• Age-Related Leaks: Coachroof windows require periodic re-bedding to stay dry.
• Complexity: The addition of a separate heads and full galley in 24 feet means systems are tightly packed and can be difficult to access for maintenance.