1972 Finesse 24

• Clinker construction
• Iroko on rock elm
• Full keel with centre plate
• 4 main keel bolts replaced 2010
• Main deck overhauled and re-sheaved 2011
• New deck fittings 2011
• New stainless steel pulpit fitted 2012
• Forepeak bunk rebuilt 2015
• Repainted/re-varnished 2015
• Wintered ashore annually
• Last surveyed 2009

• Nanni 14 diesel inboard engine (installed new 2011)
• Tiller steering
• 12v battery (recent)

• Bermudan Sloop rig
• Mast lowering gear (recent)
• Most running rigging recently replaced
• New self tailing sheet winches 2015
• Mainsail (2010)
• Roller-reefing foresail (good condition)
• Cruising chute (good condition)

• 4 berths in 2 cabins
• Double berth in forepeak
• Dinette converts to second double
• Berth cushions for all berths (new 2015)
• Galley with Blakes paraffin 2-ring stove and stainless steel sink (cold hand pumped supply) with drainer
• Sea toilet (2010, no holding tank) in separate heads compartment
• Blakes paraffin cabin heater
• LED interior lighting
• Curtains (2011)
• Maximum headroom 1.73m (5ft 8in)

• Compass (2010)
• VHF Radio and new aerial (2011)
• NASA masthead LED light (2012)
• NASA Dual depth/speed log (2012)
• Boat Safety Scheme certificate (expires 2020)
• 12v automatic bilge pump
• Boarding ladder
• Two part full cover (2012, Jeckells) which can be detached to provide a cockpit tent to usefully extend accommodation space
• Bespoke heavy-duty winter canvas cover
• Mudweight
• 2 x anchors
• Various fenders
• Various mooring lines

The Finesse 24 is a development of the Finesse 21, which boat builder Alan Platt started building in 1961. Designed in part (the hull) by a friend, Laurie Harbottell, the Finesse 21 was designed as a cruiser for sailing in the shoal waters of the East Coast. She proved to be such a success that Platt went on to build over 80 more and demand for a bigger version resulted in the scaled up Finesse 24 in late 1969. The 24-footer is distinctive in style, with a full-bodied hull, pretty swept sheer, broad transom and is every bit an East Coast cruiser, heavily influenced by the shoal-draught designs of Maurice Griffiths. Easy to handle, spacious and practical, and looking as good on the Norfolk Broads as out to sea, the Finesse 24 is reassuringly good in a seaway and, as Maurice Griffiths would put it, a “proper little ship”.

This much admired Finesse 24 has recently undergone a major programme of works, including the installation of a new Nanni 14 diesel inboard engine by AR Peachments in 2011, and is an excellent example of these well-regarded vessels. Whilst designed for sea use, her recently fitted mast lowering gear ensure that she is also well suited for exploring the inland waters of the Norfolk Broads. Her rig is conservative yet practical, with a modest 259sqft (24m2) of sail area set on a bermudan sloop, and her owner informs us that she is reassuringly steady, vice-free and easily handled by a short-handed crew. Her cabin is spacious and light thanks to the large portholes on either side, making her a very pleasant vessel to spend time on, inside or out. A 2009 survey is available for inspection at viewings, with all points raised addressed since. Reluctantly for sale due to relocation overseas.

MOORING: It’s understood that the vessel’s current mooring on the southern Broads could be transferred to the purchaser subject to agreement from the mooring owner.