Ultimate 24 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Ultimate 24 is defined by its exceptional power-to-weight ratio. With a displacement of only 1,800 pounds and a ballast-to-displacement ratio near 40%, the boat feels incredibly "stiff" for a lightweight sportboat. The 750-pound lead bulb is located at the end of a long, lifting vertical fin, providing a low center of gravity that allows the boat to carry its 345 square feet of upwind sail area deep into the breeze. In editorial testing by Sailing World, the boat was noted for its responsiveness, reacting instantly to minor adjustments in weight distribution and sail trim.

On the racecourse, the Ultimate 24 behaves like a high-performance dinghy with the stability of a keelboat. It utilizes a deck-mounted retractable carbon bowsprit to fly an asymmetric spinnaker that transforms the boat into a planing machine on downwind legs. Unlike many sportboats of its era that required a large, professional crew, the U24 was designed to be handled by three or four people, making it an attractive option for family racing or shorthanded club events. The tracking is generally reported as positive, though like most light-displacement hulls with a high-aspect rudder, it requires an attentive hand at the helm to avoid stalling during low-speed maneuvers.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its focus on speed, the Ultimate 24 features a surprisingly functional cabin for a 24-foot sportboat. The interior provides four full-length berths—a V-berth forward and two quarter berths extending aft—which are separated by a compression post for the deck-stepped mast. While the headroom is restricted to a "sitting" height, the cabin is bright and well-ventilated, often finished in a clean white gelcoat to minimize weight.

There are no major production variations in terms of hull shape, as the boat was intended to maintain one-design integrity; however, interior appointments vary slightly based on the original owner’s preference for racing versus cruising. Some models are equipped with a portable head tucked under the V-berth and basic cabinetry for a small stove, though most owners keep the interior sparse to preserve racing performance. The transition from the Ultimate 20 to the 24 is most felt here; where the 20 feels like a "cuddy" boat, the 24 offers enough volume for a genuine overnight stay for a small crew.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Ultimate 24 earned significant industry acclaim upon its debut, most notably being named the 2003 "Boat of the Year" in the Performance Day Sailer category by Sailing World magazine. This recognition solidified its reputation as a premier American sportboat. While it never achieved the massive production numbers of the Ultimate 20, it maintained a presence in West Coast regattas and remains a frequent subject of performance sailing discussions due to its pedigree as a "big brother" design to the U20.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus their inspection on the specific high-load areas common to performance sportboats:

• Keel Lift Mechanism: The vertical lifting keel is operated by a winch system. Inspect the stainless steel cable for fraying and the winch drum for mechanical wear. The keel trunk seals can also perish over time, leading to minor leaks while underway.
• Carbon Fiber Spar: As a high-performance carbon mast, it should be checked meticulously for hairline cracks or UV degradation, particularly around the spreaders and the masthead crane.
• Deck Hardware Bedding: The U24 is often sailed hard in high-wind venues. Check for "crazing" or spider cracks around the primary winches and the bowsprit exit point, which may indicate core compression or the need for re-bedding.
• Rudder Blade and Gudgeons: The high-aspect rudder puts significant leverage on the transom. Ensure there is no excessive "play" or slop in the gudgeons and pintles, which can degrade steering feel.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support is the Ultimate 20/24 Class Association. While the U20 remains the larger contingent, the association provides a shared platform for technical wikis, tuning guides, and parts sourcing. Owners also frequently congregate on the Antrim Design technical pages for insights into the boat's original engineering specifications and sail plan optimizations.

The Verdict

The Ultimate 24 remains a top-tier choice for sailors who want the speed of a modern sportboat without the logistical headaches of a fixed-keel yacht.

Pros:

• Exhilarating downwind performance and early planing.
• Trailerable design with a manageable lifting keel.
• High-quality carbon fiber rig comes standard.
• Enough interior volume for occasional weekend "camping" at the dock.

Cons:

• Small production run makes used models difficult to find.
• The interior is very basic and lacks amenities for extended cruising.
• Requires a specialized trailer and a vehicle with decent towing capacity.