Top selling fixed keel yacht on the east coast this summer has been the Hutton 24 which was officially released at the last Melbourne Boat Show.
At first called the National 24, the Hutton 24 is an interesting boat in that she represents an IOR quarter-tonner inspired hull shape with large cabin accommodation. She is also a very inexpensive boat far as 24 footers go and her, builders Hutton Yachts, of Brookvale, NSW ,are more than happy with the response to their package of low base price, and off-shore sailing ability.
While she does not have full headroom, as such, the Hutton 24 can offer full 6’ 3” in headroom with the aid of a standard pop top.
A beamy hull of 8ft 7in maximum beam, which features a lot of tumblehome has allowed the builders to come up with a roomy five berth interior layout. The accommodation is simply but functionally laid out with an enclosed WC and galley unit included as standard. The beamy shallow drafted hull has a fin keel and spade rudder that combine with full aft sections to give the Hutton a very good performance in strong conditions offshore.
Structural bulkheads are fitted as is fully welded stainless spade rudder. There are no internal fibreglass liners but a reasonably pleasing interior is achieved for a boat of this price bracket. Internal joinery is in marine ply with fibreglass moulding used in the galley.
Hutton Yachts claim that the yacht is aimed very much at family sailors on the east coast who want a relatively low cost yacht which can be sailed safely on coastal hops, and be competitive in club racing events.
Hutton Yachts are currently releasing a motor‑sailer version of the Hutton 24 which is basically the same yacht but with the addition of more recognised motor‑sailer features such as a 2 foot draft, fixed windscreen around .cockpit fo’ard area and a Yanmar 8 or 12hp diesel.
The company are also about to release a trailable version of the 24 based around the shallow draft lead ballasted keel of the motor-sailer version.
Basic dimensions of the standard Hutton 24 are:
| LOA | 24ft |
| LWL | 18ft |
| Draft | 4ft 9in |
| Displacement | 3000lb |
| Ballast | 1350lb |
| Working sail area | 260sq‑ft. |
| Beam | 8ft 7in |
First published March 1978 Boat Magazine.