Moore 24 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Moore 24 is defined by its remarkable Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 85 and a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio exceeding 30. These metrics categorize it as a pure ultralight, capable of planing in conditions where heavier boats are still struggling to reach hull speed. According to a detailed retrospective by Small Boats Magazine, the boat’s performance is characterized by its "dinghy-like" responsiveness and its ability to surf at speeds in the mid-teens during heavy-air reaches.

Under sail, the Moore 24 is exceptionally sensitive to trim and weight placement. While it is stiff enough to handle offshore conditions—a fact proven by numerous Moore 24s completing the 2,120-mile Singlehanded Transpacific Yacht Race—it requires active helming. Its narrow beam (6' 8") and low freeboard mean the boat is inherently "wet" in a chop, but its balanced helm and George Olson’s refined hull shape ensure it remains controllable even when pushed hard under a kite. The boat’s ability to plane is its hallmark; owners often describe the "Moore 24 smile" that occurs when the hull breaks free of its bow wave and accelerates downwind.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Moore 24 is unapologetically spartan, designed primarily for coastal racing and short-term cruising rather than luxury living. The cabin features a low profile to minimize windage, resulting in limited headroom that necessitates a "sitting-only" posture. The layout typically consists of four berths: two settee berths in the main cabin and two quarter berths extending aft under the cockpit. While there is space for a portable head and a simple camp-style galley, the vessel lacks a dedicated permanent galley or enclosed head.

Variations within the production run were minimal, as the boat was built as a strict one-design racer. However, the builder did produce larger "siblings" based on the same ULDB principles. The Moore 30, a significantly more radical design featuring a wider beam and a "wing" deck configuration for hiking, was produced in much smaller numbers. Towards the end of the company's tenure, plans were developed for a Moore 33, intended to bridge the gap between the 24’s agility and a more habitable coastal cruiser, though very few were ever realized.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Moore 24 occupies a storied place in West Coast sailing lore, particularly within the "Santa Cruz School" of design alongside the works of Bill Lee and Terry Alsberg. The boat is a perennial favorite in the "Doublehanded Farallones" race and the "Three Bridge Fiasco" in San Francisco Bay. Its cultural footprint is most visible through the "Road Show," a moniker for the highly competitive traveling regatta circuit managed by the class. The boat’s longevity and the "cult" status of its owners are frequently documented in regional publications like Latitude 38, which has followed the Moore 24 fleet's exploits for over four decades.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Moore 24 with an understanding that these boats have often been raced hard for fifty years.

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, the Moore 24 uses a balsa-cored deck. Moisture ingress around stanchion bases, the mast step, and chainplates can lead to soft spots and delamination. A thorough percussion test or moisture meter reading is essential.
• Keel Sump and Bolts: Given the boat’s performance nature, "groundings" are common in its history. Inspect the keel-to-hull joint for "smiles" (cracks at the leading or trailing edge) and ensure the stainless steel keel bolts and their backing plates are not showing signs of significant corrosion or movement.
• Chainplates: The original chainplates are under significant load due to the boat’s high sail area. Buyers should check for hairline fractures in the stainless steel and signs of leaking where the plates pass through the deck.
• Rudder Bearings: The high-load steering of a planing hull can wear down rudder bushings over time. Any "slop" or vibration in the tiller may indicate that the bearings or the rudder post itself require attention.

Community & Resources

The endurance of the Moore 24 is largely credited to the Moore 24 National Association, which maintains strict one-design rules, organizes a robust racing calendar, and provides a centralized hub for technical advice and parts sourcing. The association is one of the most active for a boat of this vintage, ensuring that used models retain high resale value and that technical knowledge regarding repairs and optimizations is shared freely among the fleet.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Legendary ULDB performance with genuine planing potential.
• Easy to trailer and launch, expanding cruising and racing horizons.
• One of the most active and welcoming one-design communities in North America.
• Extremely robust construction capable of serious offshore passages.

Cons:

• Very cramped interior with minimal amenities and no standing headroom.
• A "wet" ride in almost any significant sea state.
• High-quality used examples command a premium price relative to other 24-footers.