Passage 24 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Passage 24 behaves more like a 30-foot blue-water cruiser than a typical daysailer. With a displacement of nearly 8,000 lbs—exceedingly heavy for its 24.5-foot length—the boat possesses significant momentum once moving. Its full keel and transom-hung rudder provide exceptional directional stability and a smooth motion in a seaway, reflected in a high motion comfort ratio of approximately 32. This makes the boat a "cadillac" of its size class in choppy conditions, though the trade-off is evident in light air.

The masthead sloop rig is simple and sturdy, typically carrying around 280 square feet of sail. According to technical evaluations found in the Blue Water 24 history on Wikipedia, the design can be underpowered in light winds due to its low sail-area-to-displacement ratio (roughly 11.3). However, as the wind picks up, the boat’s stiffness and 3,000 lbs of ballast allow it to carry full sail longer than its lighter competitors. It is not a boat for "pointing" high into the wind, but it tracks beautifully on a reach and provides a sense of security for solo sailors or couples venturing into open water.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The most distinctive feature of the Passage 24’s interior is its remarkable headroom. In a class where "sitting headroom" is often the norm, the Passage 24 offers approximately 6'1" (185 cm) of standing room in the main cabin, a result of the updated "doghouse" style coachroof introduced in the 1979 transition from the Blue Water 24. The layout is optimized for cruising rather than racing, featuring a double V-berth in the bow and two quarter berths in the main cabin.

The galley is traditionally located to port, with an enclosed head compartment positioned amidships on the starboard side. While this configuration creates a private head—a rarity in a 24-foot boat—it does result in a somewhat cramped standing area between the galley and the head. Natural light is abundant thanks to large portlights in the doghouse, a feature noted by nautical author Steve Henkel as a primary benefit for checking on surroundings while at anchor. Materials typically include heavy-duty fiberglass liners with generous wood trim, consistent with the rugged "salty" aesthetic of Gilmer’s larger designs.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Passage 24 and its predecessor, the Blue Water 24, are featured prominently in "The Sailor’s Book of Small Cruising Sailboats" by Steve Henkel. The model is frequently discussed in small-boat cruising circles as a primary candidate for those seeking a "pocket" blue-water vessel. The boat’s design lineage connects it to the famous "Suhaili," the first boat to sail non-stop around the world, which was also a Gilmer design, lending the Passage 24 a degree of reflected glory among traditionalist sailors.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Passage 24 should prioritize the following technical inspections:

• Engine Condition: Many original models were fitted with the 10-hp Bukh DV10 diesel or even the gasoline-powered Universal Atomic 4. These older engines often require significant maintenance or repowering to remain reliable.
• Ballast Encapsulation: The ballast is encapsulated within the fiberglass keel. It is essential to check for "smiles" (cracks) at the forward or aft ends of the keel, which can indicate water ingress or previous groundings.
• Deck Core Integrity: Like most fiberglass boats of this era, the decks may be cored with balsa or plywood. Soft spots around the chainplates, stanchions, or the mast step are common signs of core rot that require expensive delamination repairs.
• Chainplates and Rigging: Given its age, the stainless steel chainplates and standing rigging should be meticulously inspected for crevice corrosion, especially if the boat has been used in saltwater environments.

Community & Resources

Technical support and community engagement for this model are primarily found through the Thomas Gilmer Design associations. While a standalone "Passage 24 Association" is rare, owners often congregate within broader "Full Keel" or "Pocket Cruiser" forums and associations that celebrate Gilmer’s work. The WoodenBoat archives also offer background on the construction methods used by the builders of Gilmer’s various designs.

The Verdict

The Passage 24 is a specialized vessel for the sailor who values safety and interior volume over speed and maneuverability. It is a "big" small boat that offers genuine coastal and limited offshore cruising capability.

Pros:

• Exceptional standing headroom (6'1") for a boat under 25 feet.
• Heavy displacement provides a stable, comfortable ride in rough conditions.
• Simple masthead rig and transom-hung rudder are easy to maintain and repair.
• Robust build quality intended for long-term cruising.

Cons:

• Sluggish performance in light air and a low sail-area-to-displacement ratio.
• The long keel makes maneuvering in tight marinas challenging.
• The amidships head layout creates a narrow corridor in the cabin.
• Rare on the used market, often requiring a hunt for a well-maintained example.