MARTIN 243
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 24 ft |
| LWL | 24 ft |
| Beam | 8.25 ft |
| Draft | 5.75 ft |
| Displacement | 1,450 lb |
| Ballast | 430.1 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.6 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Mainsail | 318 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 135 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 555 sq ft |
About the MARTIN 243
Beam incl. wings 15'. Sail Area: Main: 318 sq ft. Jib: 135 sq ft. Spinnaker: 555 sq ft Crew: 3-4 persons, Max crew wt: 700 lbs
The Martin 243 is a lightweight, performance-oriented fractional sloop designed by Don Martin and built by Martin Yachts in Canada. With only 14 hulls constructed in 1998, this rare vessel offers a distinct blend of speed and simplicity, characterized by its 1450.0 lb displacement and 56.32 SA/D ratio.
- Best for:
- This boat suits active coastal cruisers and weekend racers who prioritize speed and ease of handling over heavy offshore comfort, making it ideal for single-handers or couples seeking a responsive, low-maintenance daysailer with overnight capability.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low displacement of 1450.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.92, the Martin 243 is best suited for protected coastal waters rather than extended bluewater passages, as its light weight and variable keel configuration prioritize planing potential over heavy-weather stability.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the O'Day 23 and Catalina 22, as they share similar 23-24 ft LOA dimensions and fractional sloop rigs, though the Martin 243 distinguishes itself with a significantly lower displacement and higher sail area-to-displacement ratio for enhanced performance.
Performance
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 24ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
17 reported issues across 8 systems for the MARTIN 243, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a MARTIN 243? 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 17 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
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Used sails that fit the MARTIN 243
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