1981 Custom Mark O Atlantic City 24
$45,500
Boat in Yorktown, VA 23690 US
Mark O Atlantic City 24
1 Engine (BMW)
24 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
This 1981 Atlantic City Catboat has been very well cared for and it shows throughout the boat.
All the wonderful attributes of simple and comfortable sailing that catboats are known for in a size that encourages both daysails with friends and comfortable cruising for 2 or a small family.
Large, deep cockpit with seating for a crowd. With minimal lines, guests and owners are free to rest without being in the way or forced to help with tacking. For additional comfort, the cockpit is also equipped with a covering tent and full cushions. Equipped with adequate electronics and a working autohelm the boat will be a joy to cruise on.
Below is surprisingly spacious for any 24 footer, never mind a catboat. The over 6 feet of headroom and the roomy 11' beam combine to give wide-open room below. The boat is equipped with a private head at the bow and a large salon with convertible dinette to port, settee/bunk to starboard, and a good-sized galley. Aft to starboard is a comfortable full-sized berth for the owner.
With beautiful use of wood below and just enough brightwork topsides, she evokes the best of classic sailing. Comfortable, stable, easy to sail and with a newer diesel this great AC 24 really gives you everything need. Please call me today with questions or to discuss making this great boat yours.
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
The Atlantic City is a recreational sailboat, built predominantly of solid laminate fabmat (stitched fiberglass fabric), with wood trim. It is a gaff rigged catboat with aluminum spars. The hull has a plumb stem, an angled transom, a shallow-draft, transom-hung rudder controlled by a tiller or optional wheel and a retractable weighted centerboard. It displaces 8,000 lb (3,629 kg) and carries 2,200 lb (998 kg) of ballast.[1][2]
The boat has a draft of 5.00 ft (1.52 m) with the centerboard extended and 2.00 ft (0.61 m) with it retracted.[1]
The boat is fitted with a German BMW diesel engine of 12 hp (9 kW) for docking and maneuvering. The fresh water tank has a capacity of 25 U.S. gallons (95 L; 21 imp gal).[1]
The design has sleeping accommodation for six people, consisting of a convertible aft dinette area double berth and two forward cabin settees with pilot berths above them. It has an optional galley on the port side just forward of the companionway ladder. The galley is L-shaped and is equipped with a two-burner stove. A navigation station and a fireplace were also factory options. The head is located in the forepeak. The cabin has 6.17 ft (1.88 m) of headroom.[1][2]
For sailing the design is equipped with mainsail hoops in place of more conventional cars.[2]
In a 1994 review Richard Sherwood described the design as a classic catboat.[2]
In a 2010 review Steve Henkel wrote, "if you've ever heard the sailor's description of a cozy cruiser, 'drinks six, eats four, sleeps two,' you'll appreciate that this boat is different: she drinks eight (if squeezed into the cockpit at anchor), eats four (at a dinette below, unless you go for trays on laps), and sleeps six (double berth under the starboard cockpit, upper and lower berths to starboard forward, and a dinette that converts to another double). We can’t imagine who would want to sleep six in what amounts to a large walk-in closet, unless it’s a family with four small kids. Best features: For the large, close-knit family that is totally committed to catboats, this might be a good choice ... Worst features: Her sail area of 452 square feet, all in one big piece of cloth, can be hard to manage. Her centerboard shape, with its cutout forward to avoid cluttering up the cabin with a centerboard trunk, could be a problem too."[3]
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 11/14/25 | Price decreased | $45,500(-4.2%) |
| 9/12/25 | Initial price | $47,500 |
Overview from around the web 1981 Custom Mark O Atlantic City 24
Customers praise the 1981 Custom Mark O Atlantic City 24 for its classic design and sturdy construction, highlighting its reliable performance on the water
Many appreciate its spacious layout and comfortable seating, making it ideal for both day trips and longer outings. Enthusiasts often note the boat’s smooth handling and solid build quality, which contribute to an enjoyable and safe boating experience. Overall, owners commend this model for combining timeless style with dependable functionality.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1981 Custom Mark O Atlantic City 24 offers a unique blend of classic design and practical features, making it a notable choice for boating enthusiasts. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros
Classic Styling: The Mark O Atlantic City 24 boasts timeless, traditional lines that appeal to lovers of vintage boats.
Solid Construction: Built with quality materials typical of early 1980s craftsmanship, offering durability and longevity.
Versatile Size: At 24 feet, it strikes a balance between manageable handling and ample space for passengers and gear.
Comfortable Layout: Designed with a practical cockpit and cabin area suitable for day cruising and short overnight trips.
Good Performance: Powered adequately for smooth cruising in coastal and inland waters.
Cons
Aging Systems: Being a 1981 model, it may require updates or maintenance on electrical, plumbing, or mechanical components.
Limited Modern Amenities: Lacks some of the conveniences and technology found in newer boats, such as advanced navigation or entertainment systems.
Potential for Wear: As with any older vessel, there might be wear on upholstery, fittings, and hull that need attention.
Fuel Efficiency: Older engine designs may not be as fuel-efficient compared to contemporary models.
Availability of Parts: Finding specific replacement parts could be more challenging due to the boat's age and custom nature.
Made For
The 1981 Custom Mark O Atlantic City 24 is ideal for boating enthusiasts who appreciate classic craftsmanship combined with reliable performance. Perfect for anglers and leisure boaters seeking a versatile vessel that offers both comfort and durability on the water. Its design suits those looking for a sturdy, well-built boat capable of handling coastal and inland waters with ease.
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Contact Southern Bay Yacht Sales about 1981 Custom Mark O Atlantic City 24
102 Harbor Crescent, Seaford, VA, 23696
Contact Southern Bay Yacht Sales
102 Harbor Crescent, Seaford, VA, 23696






