Shaw 24 Yawl Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Shaw 24 is celebrated for its surprising speed and "big boat" feel, a result of its heavy displacement and generous ballast-to-displacement ratio. Despite its modest 24-foot length, the boat tracks exceptionally well thanks to a full keel/centerboard configuration. With the board up, the boat draws only 2’9”, making it an ideal candidate for gunkholing and thin-water cruising; with the board down, its draft extends to over 5 feet, providing the lateral resistance necessary for competitive upwind performance.

The yawl rig is the defining characteristic of this model. While a split rig on a 24-foot boat might seem redundant by modern standards, on the Shaw 24, it serves as a sophisticated tool for sail balancing. In heavy air, the boat can be sailed comfortably under "jigger and jib" (mizzen and headsail), significantly reducing the effort required by the helm. According to historical design retrospectives in Soundings Online, Shaw’s focus on balanced ends and a clean run aft ensured that the boat remained docile even when pressed hard. Owners often report that the boat "punches above its weight" in a seaway, maintaining momentum through a chop that would stall lighter modern boats of similar length.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel designed in the 1950s with a focus on racing, the interior of the Shaw 24 is remarkably functional, though it reflects the ergonomic constraints of its era. The layout typically features a classic four-berth arrangement: a V-berth forward followed by a compact head area, and two settee berths in the main cabin. Given the boat's narrow beam and low profile, headroom is limited, and the space is best described as "cozy" rather than spacious.

While the core hull remained consistent, the interior finish varied significantly based on the builder and the original owner’s specifications. Early wooden versions featured exquisite joinery, while later fiberglass models utilized more utilitarian liners. Because many of these boats were campaigned heavily, it is common to find custom navigators' stations or modified galleys. The boat was primarily built as the Shaw 24 Yawl, but its success directly influenced Shaw’s later designs, such as the Pearson Ariel and Commander, which shared the "spirit" of the Shaw 24 but offered more volume for the burgeoning family cruising market.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Shaw 24’s legacy is inextricably linked to Trina, the hull that proved a small boat could be both a serious offshore racer and a capable cruiser. Trina’s unprecedented winning streak in the late 50s is often cited in maritime histories as the catalyst for the MORC’s popularity. The boat has been featured in several "classic boat" retrospectives, including a detailed look at Bill Shaw’s design philosophy by the editorial team at Good Old Boat magazine, which highlighted the Shaw 24 as the "giant killer" of its day.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Shaw 24 with the understanding that these are vintage vessels requiring specialized maintenance.

• Centerboard Assembly: The centerboard trunk and the pivot pin are primary points of concern. On older fiberglass models, the trunk can develop leaks, and the pin may suffer from galvanic corrosion if not replaced periodically.
• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this vintage, the decks are often balsa-cored. Moisture intrusion around the chainplates, stanchion bases, and the mizzen mast step is common and can lead to significant delamination.
• Wood-to-Glass Transitions: On early fiberglass models, the cockpit coamings and cabin trunks were often made of mahogany. The joint where the wood meets the fiberglass deck requires constant monitoring to prevent freshwater leaks that can rot the underlying structural bulkheads.
• Rigging and Spars: The yawl rig adds complexity. Check the mizzen mast step and the condition of the spreaders on both masts. Many examples still carry original wooden spars, which require meticulous varnish or paint maintenance to prevent sun damage and rot.

Community & Resources

While there is no longer a formal factory-supported association, the Shaw 24 remains a darling of the "Plastic Classic" community. Information is frequently shared through the Bristol and Pearson Owner Associations, as many Shaw 24 enthusiasts also maintain the later Bill Shaw designs. Technical data and historical discussions can often be found through the Chesapeake Bay MORC archives, which preserve the racing history of the design.

The Verdict

The Shaw 24 Yawl is a connoisseur’s sailboat, offering timeless aesthetics and a pedigree that few modern 24-footers can match. It is not a boat for those seeking maximum interior volume, but for the sailor who values historical significance and a refined helm, it remains a superlative choice.

Pros:

• Exceptional Aesthetics: One of the most beautiful "small" yawls ever designed.
• Versatile Draft: The centerboard design allows for both deep-water stability and shallow-water exploration.
• Historical Pedigree: Owning a Shaw 24 is owning a piece of MORC racing history.

Cons:

• Tight Quarters: The narrow beam and low headroom make long-term cruising a challenge for more than two people.
• Maintenance Intensive: The dual-masted rig and vintage construction require more upkeep than a modern sloop.
• Age: Finding a "turn-key" example is rare; most require significant structural or cosmetic restoration.