Windrose 24 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Windrose 24 is characterized by its versatile swing-keel configuration, which significantly influences its handling profile. With the 1,000-pound cast-iron keel fully retracted, the boat draws only about 1.5 feet, allowing it to navigate thin water and approach beaches with ease. When deployed to its full 5.5-foot depth, the keel provides necessary leverage to counter the vessel’s relatively high freeboard. Performance-wise, the Windrose 24 is not a racing machine; it features a modest sail area-to-displacement ratio that favors stability over light-air speed.

Under sail, owners often report that the boat feels "tender" initially—heeling quickly to about 15 degrees—before the ballast takes hold and the hull stabilizes on its generous beam. Tracking is generally reliable thanks to the deep keel, though like many swing-keel designs, there can be a noticeable "clunk" if the pivot pin or trunk assembly has developed play. The fractional rig is manageable for solo sailors, and the boat maintains reasonable momentum in a chop due to its displacement of approximately 3,100 pounds, which is heavier than many of its 22-foot contemporaries.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Windrose 24 was a major selling point, often marketed as having the amenities of a 27-footer. The layout typically includes a V-berth forward, a localized head compartment (often a porta-potti tucked under a cushion), and a main salon with a convertible dinette and a compact galley. A defining feature of many units is the "pop-top" hatch, which increases standing headroom to roughly six feet when at anchor, a luxury rarely found in trailerable boats of this size.

Throughout its production run, the Windrose 24 saw minor iterations in cabinetry and trim. Early models utilized a heavier amount of wood veneer, while later versions under the Laguna brand often incorporated more molded fiberglass liners for ease of maintenance. The Windrose 24 was part of a broader family of Turner designs, including the smaller Windrose 18 and 22, and the larger Windrose 26. When Laguna Yachts took over the molds, the boat was rebranded as the Laguna 24, and later, Classic Yachts Inc. produced a version known as the Classic 24, which maintained the original hull lines but often featured updated deck hardware.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Windrose 24 with a focus on its structural "Achilles' heels," common to many Coastal Recreation builds of this vintage.

• Swing Keel Assembly: The pivot pin and the cable/winch system are high-wear items. Inspect the keel trunk for stress cracks and ensure the keel does not "swing" laterally, which indicates a worn pin or bushing.
• Deck Core Delamination: Like many boats of the 1970s, the Windrose 24 used a balsa or plywood core in the deck. Soft spots are common around the chainplates, stanchions, and the mast step.
• Mast Step Compression: The deck-stepped mast relies on an internal compression post. If the deck has softened or the post has shifted, the rig tension can cause the deck to "dish" or sag.
• Rudder Brackets: The original gudgeons and pintles were sometimes undersized for the loads generated by the heavy spade or kick-up rudders; check for hairline fractures in the aluminum or stainless fittings.

Community & Resources

The legacy of the Windrose 24 is sustained by a dedicated community of small-boat enthusiasts. While the original manufacturer is long defunct, technical support and original brochures can often be found through the Laguna and Windrose Owners Group, an informal network that shares restoration tips and rigging diagrams. Because these boats share many components with the Balboa and Aquarius lines (also produced by Coastal Recreation), parts and modifications are frequently discussed in broader "Pocket Cruiser" forums and associations.

The Verdict

The Windrose 24 remains a solid choice for sailors seeking an affordable entry into cruising. While it lacks the refinement of modern European designs, its robust hull and clever use of space make it a functional weekender.

Pros:

• Interior Volume: Excellent for its size, especially versions equipped with the "pop-top."
• Versatility: The swing keel allows for both deep-water stability and beachability.
• Cost of Ownership: Simple systems and trailerability keep slip fees and maintenance costs low.

Cons:

• Aging Hardware: Original mast-raising systems and keel winches often require replacement.
• Weight: At over 3,000 lbs plus a trailer, it requires a substantial tow vehicle (SUV or truck).
• Performance: Not a "pointer"; the boat struggles to sail as close to the wind as its fin-keel competitors.