Lotus 25 Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Lotus 25 begins in 1967, the year its production commenced. It emerged from the shipyards of CNSO, a company founded in 1960 by Otto Tiefenbach, which became known for producing accessible and robust sailing vessels. During the Lotus 25's production run, which likely continued until CNSO ceased operations in 1982, the builder was establishing itself as a significant player in the French marine industry. CNSO's manufacturing ethos focused on crafting durable and comfortable cruising sailboats, transitioning to fiberglass construction—a material that brought benefits of reduced maintenance and mass production capabilities. The collaboration with skilled naval architects, including François Sergent for the Lotus 25, ensured that CNSO boats were not only well-built but also offered sound sailing performance for their intended purpose.

The Lotus 25 features a length overall of just under 25 feet (24.61 ft) and a waterline length of 21.65 feet, with a beam of 7.87 feet. Its design incorporates a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, contributing to its maneuverability and control. With a displacement of 3748 lbs and 1323 lbs of ballast, the boat combines a light displacement with sufficient stability for its size. The hull is a solid fiberglass monohull, known for its durability.

Sailing Performance and Handling

While the Lotus 25 is a smaller vessel, its design allows for a light yet reasonably good sailing performance. With a maximum draft of 4.59 feet, its fin keel provides efficient hydrodynamic lift, allowing it to point well to windward. The skeg-hung rudder ensures positive steering control and protects the rudder blade. Owners and reviewers often describe the Lotus 25 as stable and stiff, capable of handling various conditions with confidence. Its comfort ratio is noted as being just below average for similar sailboat designs, yet it is considered more comfortable than 42% of its peers. The slim hull design suggests that its designer aimed for a slightly more speedy profile, contributing to its reputation as a performer.

Accommodations and Layout

Detailed information regarding the interior layout and specific accommodations of the Lotus 25 is scarce in readily available resources. However, based on its dimensions and typical small cruiser designs of the late 1960s, the interior would likely offer basic cruising amenities. It is noted that the boat provides approximately 5.50 feet of headroom, which is respectable for a vessel of its size. It appears the boat was designed with minimal water capacity, indicated by a reported 0 gallons, and a small original fuel capacity. This suggests the Lotus 25 was primarily intended for day sailing or shorter coastal cruises, where extensive tankage was not a priority. The layout would typically include a V-berth forward, a small salon area, and possibly a basic galley setup with limited storage and a compact head compartment. The construction materials would predominantly be fiberglass, likely complemented by some wood trim to enhance the interior warmth.