Tylercraft 24 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Tylercraft 24 are dictated largely by its hull form and keel configuration. With a displacement of approximately 4,000 lbs and a modest sail area, the boat is a steady, predictable performer rather than a spirited racer. The displacement-to-length ratio suggests a "little ship" feel, providing a sense of security in choppy conditions that lighter 24-footers often lack.

The twin bilge keels, which draw only 2.0 feet, provide significant lateral resistance but do result in more wetted surface area compared to a single fin keel. This makes the boat slightly slower in light air and less efficient when pointing close to the wind. However, owner accounts from historical sailing records suggest that the Tylercraft 24 tracks exceptionally well, holding its course with minimal helm correction. The skeg-mounted rudder adds to this directional stability and provides essential protection for the steering gear when navigating thin water. Because the boat was designed during an era when fiberglass laminates were often "over-built" to compensate for a lack of structural data, the hull feels stiff and exhibits very little flex when powered up in a breeze.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel of its era and size, the Tylercraft 24 offers a surprisingly functional interior layout. The cabin typically features a traditional V-berth forward, followed by a compact main salon with two longitudinal settees that double as berths. This configuration allows for four adults to sleep aboard, though it is most comfortable for a couple or a young family.

The "flush deck" or raised-cabin profile used on some variants maximizes internal volume, providing more headroom than many of its contemporaries. While the finishes are utilitarian—often featuring molded fiberglass liners with teak accents—the design is practical for coastal cruising. Storage is found beneath the berths and in small lockers, though the presence of the twin keel trunks in the bilge-keel version does occupy some of the low-center-of-gravity storage space. In addition to the standard 24, Tylercraft produced siblings like the Tylercraft 22 and the larger Tylercraft 26 and 29, many of which shared the distinctive "Tylercraft look" characterized by a sturdy, somewhat boxy cabin trunk and a focus on interior volume.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Tylercraft 24 should focus their inspection on the unique structural points of the Ted Tyler design:

• Keel Attachment Points: On twin-keel models, the hull-to-keel joint is a high-stress area. Unlike a single fin keel, bilge keels exert significant leverage on the hull when the boat heels or rests on the bottom. Check the interior floors and fiberglass reinforcement around the keel bolts for "spiderweb" stress cracks or signs of previous delamination.
• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats from the 1960s and 70s, Tylercraft used wood cores in the deck construction. Over decades, hardware such as stanchions or cleats may have leaked, leading to soft spots in the deck. A thorough "tap test" with a plastic hammer is necessary to identify delaminated or rotted areas.
• Rudder Skeg: The skeg-mounted rudder is a safety feature, but the hardware connecting the rudder to the skeg can wear over time. Ensure there is no excessive play in the pintles and gudgeons, as repairs to these underwater components can be labor-intensive.
• Chainplates: Inspect the points where the stays meet the hull and deck. Early fiberglass designs sometimes lacked adequate backing plates, which can lead to deck deformation under high rig tension.

Community & Resources

While there is no longer a formal factory presence, Tylercraft owners are a small but dedicated group. Historical technical data and owner-led support were formerly centralized in the Tylercraft Yahoo Group, though most of that community has migrated to broader platforms such as the Good Old Boat network and general classic plastic forums. Technical discussions often center on the restoration of the twin keels and the adaptation of modern outboard or small inboard engines to replace the original power plants.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Extreme Shallow Draft: The 2.0-foot draft on twin-keel models allows for exploration of shallow creeks and easy beaching.
• Robust Construction: The heavy fiberglass layup provides a durable hull that handles age better than many lighter alternatives.
• Predictable Handling: Excellent tracking and stability make it a safe choice for novice sailors or solo cruisers.

Cons:

• Upwind Efficiency: The twin keel design compromises the ability to point high into the wind compared to modern fin-keel boats.
• Light Air Performance: A high displacement-to-sail-area ratio means the boat can be sluggish when the wind drops below 10 knots.
• Aging Systems: As a boat built in the 1960s, most surviving examples require significant updates to electrical and plumbing systems.