• The Crabber 24 has been in continuous production since 1974, across five Marks.
• It became:
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  • The flagship model of the range
  • One of the most recognisable gaff-rigged yachts in the UK
• The builder, Cornish Crabbers, grew into a leading producer of traditional-style GRP boats.

Design philosophy (unchanged over 50 years)

Despite changes, the core concept has remained:

• Inspired by traditional Cornish working boats
• Built for:
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  • Coastal cruising
  • Seaworthiness
  • Character and aesthetics

Typical features across all generations:

• Gaff cutter rig
• Bowsprit
• Keel-hung rudder
• Heavy displacement for size

Recent history (2020s)

• By 2020, the Crabber 24 was fully in Mk V form (modernised but traditional)
• In 2024, Cornish Crabbers entered liquidation, marking the end of original production and increasing the model’s long-term significance.

Summary

The Cornish Crabber 24 is:

👉 A design dating back to 1974
👉 The founding boat of Cornish Crabbers
👉 Evolved through five major versions (Mk I–V)

Evolution at a glance:

• 1970s–80s (Mk I–II): lightweight, centreboard “creek crawler”
• 1990s (Mk III–IV): heavier, long-keel cruising yacht
• 2017+ (Mk V): modern performance with classic styling