The design of the Hurley 24/70 was very modern when she was introduced into the Hurley range in 1972. She has a fin and skeg hull form and a reverse-counter transom giving low wetted area and a long waterline for extra performance.

The mainsail has a high aspect ration and big genoa for speed and manoeuvrability. As this is my first venture into single handed sailing, the high aspect main sail was a major factor when buying Ragamuffin. This is considered to be safer and should reduce the requirement for reefing unless the wind conditions get really hairy! Also it means that the boom does not encroach over the cockpit and therefore I am more likely to escape a nasty knock on the head during a gybe or whilst tacking.

She has deep safe cockpit and high freeboard which should keep me and any crew dry when sailing upwind. Having mostly sailed in my 21 foot boat with a low freeboard I know exectly what its like to get drenched when those in bigger yachts leap straight to the pub without having to stand at the bar in a puddle.

Below decks there is plenty of headroom and lots of stowage - you can never have enough stowage believe me. There are two separate cabins with 2 single six foot berths, a double v-berth and heads compartment. The galley is compact but workable with everything to hand. That said it's usually a 'pot mess' or freeze dried sustenance for me. It's fair to say I'm no Gordon Ramsey, I swear a lot less too.

One of the big bonuses with this boat for me is the inboard diesel engine. For someone with mobility issues, outboard engines can be a real pain when having to lift them on or off. Plus the boat looks a lot neater with the engine out of site.

Here is the science bit;

LOA: 24’1” 7.34m
LWL: 17’6” 5.34m
Beam: 7’5” 2.26m
Draft fin keel: 4’1” 1.24m
Ballast: 2500lbs 1134kg
Displacement: 4200lbs 1905kg

Info c/o The Hurey Owners Association.