Sovereign Princess 24 Information, Review, Specs

Because Sovereign used a common hull mold for several models—including the 7.0, the 23, and the Antares 24—the Princess 24 shares its fundamental hydrodynamic characteristics with its siblings. However, it is distinguished by its deck liner and interior finish. During the transition of the molds to Custom Fiberglass Products of Florida (CFPF) in 1988, these variations became more pronounced, as the new builders sought to modernize the aging Edmunds design with better ergonomics and updated aesthetics.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Sovereign Princess 24 is defined by its shoal-draft design, a necessity of its Florida heritage. Most versions feature a shallow fixed keel or a lead-ballasted stub keel with a swing centerboard, allowing for access to thin waters where deeper-draft boats cannot venture. In terms of handling, the boat is remarkably stable for its size, thanks to a relatively generous beam that carries well aft. This width provides a significant amount of initial stability, making it a forgiving platform for novice sailors or families.

When interpreting the boat’s performance through its design ratios, the Princess 24 leans toward the heavy-displacement end of the trailer-sailer spectrum. It is not a "light air" specialist; it requires a decent breeze to overcome its wetted surface area. However, once moving, the Edmunds-designed hull tracks well. According to technical archives from the Sovereign Yachts Owner Community, the boat handles best when kept relatively upright; like many wide-beamed boats of the 1980s, excessive heeling can cause the rudder to lose some effectiveness. The fractional rig found on many units allows for easy sail handling, though the boat is most often seen in a standard masthead sloop configuration which prioritizes power in moderate winds.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The "Princess" designation was specifically used to denote an interior geared toward "pocket cruising" luxury. While the base 7.0 model was often utilitarian, the Princess 24 maximized its 8-foot beam to create an interior that feels larger than its 24-foot length suggests. The layout typically includes a V-berth forward, a compact galley to port or starboard, and a settee that can double as additional berthing.

A key differentiator for the Princess 24 was the attempt to provide a more private head arrangement, which was a significant selling point for buyers moving up from smaller daysailers. The use of teak trim and pressurized water systems in later models built by CFPF added to the "yacht-like" feel. Its sibling, the Antares 24, often featured a different deck mold with a more streamlined "wedge" cabin, whereas the Princess maintained a more traditional trunk cabin profile to maximize standing headroom. Owners of the Sovereign 23 (essentially the same hull) often report that the Princess 24 feels significantly more spacious due to the revised interior liner which optimized storage lockers and under-berth compartments.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Sovereign Princess 24 should focus on the typical vulnerabilities of 1980s-era Florida-built fiberglass boats.

• Deck Core Integrity: Sovereign used plywood or balsa coring in the decks. Over decades, poorly bedded hardware (cleats, stanchions, and chainplates) can allow water to ingress, leading to soft spots. Pay close attention to the area around the mast step and the cockpit sole.
• Compression Post: The load from the deck-stepped mast is transferred to the hull via a compression post. In some Sovereign models, moisture at the base of this post or the settlement of the interior liner can lead to "mast sag," where the deck begins to deflect downward.
• Keel-to-Hull Joint: For models equipped with the shoal-draft fixed keel, the "smile" or hairline cracking at the leading edge of the keel joint should be inspected. While often cosmetic, deep cracking may indicate the need to tighten or inspect the keel bolts.
• Swing Keel Hardware: If the vessel is a centerboard variant, the pivot pin and the lift cable are high-wear items. If the centerboard clanks while at anchor, the pivot hole may have become oblong, requiring a bushing repair.
• Transom-Hung Rudder: The pintles and gudgeons on the transom are under significant stress. Check for play in the rudder bushings and inspect the rudder blade itself for delamination or water-logging.

Community & Resources

The primary repository for technical knowledge regarding the Princess 24 is the Sovereign Yachts Owner Community, which maintains a historical archive of brochures and technical manuals. While the manufacturer is no longer in operation, the shared lineage between the Sovereign, Antares, and even some Nimble models ensures a relatively active secondary market for parts and advice.

The Verdict

The Sovereign Princess 24 is an honest, sturdy trailer-sailer that offers a surprising amount of "big boat" feel in a package that can still be hauled to the coast behind a capable SUV. It is an ideal entry-level cruiser for those who prioritize weekend comfort and shallow-water access over racing performance.

Pros:

• Exceptional Interior Volume: One of the roomiest cabins in the 24-foot trailerable class.
• Shallow Draft: Perfectly suited for Florida, the Keys, and the Chesapeake Bay.
• Sturdy Design: The Arthur Edmunds hull is known for its predictable, sea-kindly motion.

Cons:

• Sluggish in Light Air: The displacement and hull shape are not optimized for light-wind speed.
• Age-Related Maintenance: Buyers must be vigilant about deck rot and compression post issues.
• Limited Headroom: While generous for its class, tall sailors will still find it a "stooping" cabin.