CHALLENGER 7.4
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 24.33 ft |
| LWL | 22.17 ft |
| Beam | 8.17 ft |
| Draft | 3.42 ft |
| Displacement | 4,000 lb |
| Ballast | 2,090 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.3 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 26.5 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 9.5 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 23.8 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 8.25 ft |
| FLforestay | 9.5 ft |
| Mainsail | 231.9 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 125.9 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 214 sq ft |
About the CHALLENGER 7.4
Also known as the CHALLENGER 7.5 and CHALLENGER 24. Most of the boats are powered by an outboard, although the original design called for a Renault diesel.
Designed by Alex McGruer and built by Challenger Yachts Ltd. (CAN) from 1974–1980, the Challenger 7.4 is a compact 24.33 ft masthead sloop with 800 hulls produced. Its 4000.0 lb displacement and 163.88 D/L ratio reflect a lightweight, performance-oriented design that prioritizes speed over heavy offshore comfort.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend racers who value agility and ease of handling, particularly those interested in single-handed sailing or short offshore passages. Its popularity for dodger and bimini installations suggests a strong following among owners focused on comfortable, protected coastal cruising.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low 2.06 capsize ratio and 16.5 comfort ratio, the Challenger 7.4 is best suited for protected coastal waters rather than extended bluewater passages, as its light 4000.0 lb displacement and 3.42 ft max draft limit its seakeeping in heavy offshore conditions.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the O'Day 23 and Pearson 23, which share similar 23–24 ft footprints and fin-keel configurations from the same era. These vessels offer similar coastal cruising capabilities and market positioning, though the Challenger's 14.64 SA/D ratio often provides superior upwind performance.
Direct variant of the CHALLENGER 7.4
Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the CHALLENGER 7.4 yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 24.33ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
10 reported issues across 7 systems for the CHALLENGER 7.4, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CHALLENGER 7.4? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 10 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your CHALLENGER 7.4?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
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Used sails that fit the CHALLENGER 7.4
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…