Noelex 25 Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Noelex 25 lies in New Zealand, where it evolved from the earlier Noelex 22. Designers Noel Honey and Alex Trethewey, later joined by Steve Marten for significant redesigns, conceived the Noelex 25 with a clear vision: to create a simple, easily rigged, and high-performance trailer yacht that wasn't overly heavy. The boat entered production in 1968, a period when demand for trailer yachts in New Zealand was at its peak. The first production model incorporated numerous design changes by Steve Marten, including a major redesign of the cabin top, interior, and a change to a daggerboard keel for increased headroom.

The Noelex 25 quickly established itself as the fastest production trailer yacht in New Zealand, even securing first and second places in the 1980 Trailer Yacht Nationals. While originally built by Noelex Yachts Ltd. in New Zealand, Austral Yachts Pty Ltd, known for their robust fiberglass construction and performance-oriented designs, acquired the rights to build and market Noelex Yachts in Australia after 1987, further cementing the model's presence in the region. The ongoing commitment to the design's "one-design concept" is maintained by active owner associations in both New Zealand and Australia.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Noelex 25, with its fractional sloop rig and a length overall of just under 25.5 feet, offers an engaging sailing experience. Its design parameters translate to a lively and responsive boat on the water.

With a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/Disp) of approximately 20.16, the Noelex 25 is indicative of a boat with excellent light-air performance. This relatively high ratio suggests that the yacht can accelerate quickly and maintain speed even in lighter breezes, making it enjoyable in a wide range of conditions. The Displacement to Length Ratio (Disp/LWL) of around 239.72 places it in a moderate weight class for a trailer sailer, striking a balance between a nimble, performance-oriented hull and sufficient volume for cruising amenities. This contributes to its reputation for handling like a larger yacht.

The Ballast to Displacement Ratio (Bal/Disp) of roughly 0.23, while lower than many fixed-keel offshore cruisers, is typical for a trailer sailer with a centerboard or daggerboard. This design choice prioritizes shallow draft capability and ease of trailering over extreme stiffness in heavy winds, though its responsive nature is frequently praised. Owners often describe the Noelex 25 as simple and responsive to sail, well-balanced, and enjoyable to helm, making it a favorite for those seeking both cruising comfort and racing prowess.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its trailerable nature, the Noelex 25 is designed to offer a surprisingly spacious and functional interior for its size, making it suitable for weekend cruising and overnight stays. The typical interior arrangement features a roomy V-berth forward, capable of sleeping two adults, often complemented by a wardrobe and vanity. The main salon usually includes seating that can convert into additional berths, and a compact galley is commonly found to port. This galley typically comprises a sink and space for a portable stove, providing basic meal preparation facilities.

A quarter berth is often located on the starboard side, expanding the sleeping capacity. While the exact maximum headroom is not specified in the provided data, the design modifications made by Steve Marten, which included raising the cabin top, aimed to enhance interior volume and headroom, contributing to a more comfortable living space below deck. Owners report a relatively spacious feel for a boat of its size, with thoughtful layouts maximizing usable area. The interior is generally practical, focusing on maximizing space and functionality for a trailerable cruiser.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Noelex 25 consistently praise its solid construction and versatile performance. Many highlight its ease of rigging and launching, which are crucial for a trailer yacht, allowing for quick deployment and enjoyment on the water. The boat's speed and handling characteristics are frequently cited as major strengths, making it a competitive racer and a fun, responsive cruiser. Owners appreciate its ability to perform well in various conditions, from light breezes to stronger winds, thanks to its well-balanced design.

Common positive remarks include its spacious interior for a 25-footer, offering comfortable accommodation for a family on short cruises. The active Noelex 25 associations in New Zealand and Australia also foster a strong community, providing technical support and organizing events, which is a significant asset for owners.

While generally well-regarded, some discussions among owners revolve around maintaining the "one-design" integrity for racing purposes, indicating a dedicated and engaged owner base focused on optimizing performance. As with any older vessel, occasional maintenance on original fittings or modifications to improve rudder design may be discussed in owner forums. However, the overall sentiment points to a highly satisfying ownership experience, with many considering it the "sweet spot" for larger trailerable yachts.