ISLANDER 24
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 24 ft |
| LWL | 20 ft |
| Beam | 7.83 ft |
| Draft | 3.42 ft |
| Displacement | 3,300 lb |
| Ballast | 1,700.2 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.0 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 28.8 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 8.4 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 25.8 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 11.5 ft |
| FLforestay | 8.4 ft |
| Mainsail | 281.2 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 121 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 205.6 sq ft |
About the ISLANDER 24
It seems to have been a collaboration between Glas Laminates (a producer of spa's, outhouses, etc.) and Joseph H. McGlasson. McGlasson, designer and builder of a 24' wood sloop called the Catalina Islander approached Glas Laminates about producing a fiberglass version. Using one of these boats as a plug, Glas Laminates pulled a mold and the Islander 24 was born. The raised deck Bahama version proved to be far more popular and this trunk cabin model was discontinued after a comparatively short run. Thanks to former Islander 24 owner Randolph Van Esselstyn for providing photos and an original brochure.
Designed by J. H. McGlasson and built by Glas Laminates/McGlasson Marine/Islander Yachts (USA) from 1961–1967, the Islander 24 is a classic 24.0 ft masthead sloop with a full/long keel. With a displacement of 3300.0 lb and a ballast of 1700.2 lb, this vessel represents a significant portion of the early fiberglass cruising fleet, though the exact number of hulls built is unknown.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors seeking a manageable, trailerable package with a comfortable motion, as indicated by its Comfort ratio of 15.51. It is well-suited for single-handers or couples who prioritize ease of handling and low draft (3.42 ft) over high-speed performance.
- Bluewater capability:
- While the full/long keel and Capsize ratio of 2.11 suggest inherent stability, the Islander 24 is primarily a coastal cruiser rather than a dedicated bluewater passagemaker due to its light displacement and age. Its offshore suitability is limited by structural aging concerns, particularly regarding deck core integrity and keel attachment.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats from this era include the O'Day 23 and Pearson 23, which share similar dimensions, full-keel designs, and target the same market of entry-level coastal cruisers. These vessels offer similar displacement and beam characteristics, making them direct competitors in the used boat market.
Performance
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
10 listings · boat years 1967–1984 · median $9,900
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 24ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
15 reported issues across 7 systems for the ISLANDER 24, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a ISLANDER 24? 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 15 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
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Used sails that fit the ISLANDER 24
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