S&S Falcon 24 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

True to its Sparkman & Stephens heritage, the Falcon 24 is renowned for its exceptional sea-kindliness and heavy-weather capabilities. With a displacement of approximately 4,640 lbs and a ballast ratio of roughly 36%, the boat is notably "stiff," resisting heeling more effectively than many contemporary light-displacement yachts of similar length. The hull’s displacement-to-length ratio (D/L) of 302 places it firmly in the heavy cruiser category, which translates to a steady, predictable motion in a seaway and a high Motion Comfort Ratio of 22.9.

Owners frequently report that the vessel tracks exceptionally well, a trait attributed to its traditional fin keel and well-balanced sail plan. While it is not a light-air flyer—often described as slightly underpowered in drifting conditions—it comes into its own when the breeze refreshes. According to technical records archived at Dolphin24.org, the S&S 24 and its Falcon successor perform best upwind, maintaining a light helm even when pressed. The masthead rig provides a simple, robust configuration that is easy to manage short-handed, though the low-aspect mainsail typically requires reefing earlier than modern fractional rigs to keep the boat on its feet.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The Falcon 24 exists in two primary interior and deck configurations, both built on the same 24’ 2” hull. The original Sea Nymph S&S 24 followed the classic 1960s aesthetic, which some owners found restricted by limited headroom and a somewhat dated cabin profile. In 1973, New Zealand fiberglass pioneer Ferris de Joux collaborated with Sea Nymph to redesign the deck and interior, resulting in the Falcon 24. This modernized variant featured a raised coachroof that significantly improved standing headroom and expanded the living volume.

The typical layout includes a V-berth in the bow, a small galley to starboard, and twin quarter berths extending aft under the cockpit. The use of high-quality GRP interior molds provided a cleaner, more durable finish than many contemporary wooden interiors. These improvements transformed the boat from a pure racer-cruiser into a more viable family platform, allowing a family of four to cruise the New Zealand coast with reasonable comfort.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Falcon 24’s cultural footprint is deeply tied to the relationship between Doug Bremner and Olin Stephens. Bremner, a prominent New Zealand businessman and yachtsman, famously commissioned the 60-foot S&S cutter Ta’aroa before bringing the S&S 24 design to the local market. This connection to the "Gold Standard" of naval architecture gave the Falcon 24 an immediate status that few other 24-footers could match. The model was a staple of the New Zealand S&S Owners Association, which at its peak numbered more than 90 members, fostering a robust community of competitive club racing and coastal cruising.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus on several high-signal areas typical of GRP boats from the 1970s.

• Deck Core Integrity: The decks and cabin tops were often constructed using a balsa core. Over decades, moisture ingress around stanchion bases or chainplates can lead to delamination and "soft spots."
• Keel Bolt Inspection: As a fixed-keel vessel, the structural integrity of the keel-to-hull joint is paramount. Buyers should inspect the bilge for signs of rust bleeding or weeping around the keel bolts.
• Outboard Configuration: Early S&S 24 models often featured an outboard motor mounted in a well aft. These wells can be prone to turbulence and exhaust fumes; many later Falcon 24s moved the engine to a transom bracket, which is generally preferred for ease of maintenance.
• Rudder Bearings: The spade or skeg-hung rudders (depending on the specific production year) should be checked for excessive play, which may indicate worn bushings or internal tang corrosion.

Community & Resources

The most prominent technical resource for this model is the Dolphin 24 International Association, which maintains a dedicated section for the New Zealand-built S&S 24 and Falcon 24 variants. This archive includes original Sea Nymph brochures, sail plans, and a register of known hulls. Historically, the S&S Owners Association of New Zealand was the primary social hub, though much of that community now operates through regional yacht clubs and online forums.

The Verdict

The Falcon 24 is a "pocket thoroughbred" that offers a level of seaworthiness and prestige rarely found in a trailerable 24-footer. While it lacks the interior volume of modern high-volume cruisers, its sailing characteristics and Sparkman & Stephens pedigree make it a compelling choice for the traditionalist.

Pros:

• Exceptional heavy-weather stability and motion comfort.
• Prestigious S&S design with proven blue-water DNA.
• Robust GRP construction from a legendary New Zealand builder.
• Balanced, predictable handling ideal for families or solo sailors.

Cons:

• Limited light-wind performance due to heavy displacement.
• Original S&S 24 deck version lacks modern headroom.
• Requires diligent maintenance of the balsa-cored deck.