Coronado 25 CB Information, Review, Specs

The Coronado 25 CB was produced from 1966 to 1975, emerging during a period of rapid expansion for the nascent Coronado brand. Frank Butler's design philosophy for the Coronado 25 CB, his first notable boat design, focused on creating popular cruising sailboats that were accessible and often trailerable. The builder, Coronado Yachts, aimed to make yachting attainable, and the Coronado 25 CB exemplified this ethos with its practical design and features. Following its acquisition by the Whittaker Corporation in 1968, Coronado Yachts operated as an "alternative brand" to Columbia Yachts, continuing to produce vessels like the 25 CB that prioritized comfortable cruising. A notable variation of this model is the "CB" designation itself, indicating a centerboard version, which provided a shallower draft for exploring coves and easier trailering, contrasting with potential fixed-keel configurations.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 25.0 feet and a waterline length of 20.05 feet, the Coronado 25 CB features a moderate displacement of 4,300 pounds. Her design translates to a balanced performance profile, suitable for a variety of conditions. The sail area to displacement ratio, calculated at approximately 18.6, suggests that the Coronado 25 CB is quite capable in lighter winds, able to generate good speed without requiring excessive breeze. Complementing this, a high ballast to displacement ratio of around 41.8% indicates a stiff and stable hull, allowing the boat to stand up to a strong breeze with confidence and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. Owners have generally praised the Coronado 25 for its enjoyable sailing characteristics, often citing its stability and ease of handling. However, some owners have noted that handling under engine, particularly with a long keel, spade rudder, and an outboard, can be "interesting," possibly alluding to the unique maneuvering characteristics of a centerboard configuration and external power.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Coronado 25 CB, consistent with many 25-foot cruisers of its era, was designed for functional weekend cruising. While specific headroom figures are not readily available in the provided data, the layout typically includes a V-berth forward, serving as the primary sleeping area. A compact head compartment is usually situated, followed by a main salon area. This salon often features settees that can double as berths, alongside a basic galley equipped for simple meal preparation. Storage solutions, while not extensive, are generally integrated throughout the cabin to accommodate cruising essentials. The overall finish and materials would typically reflect the practical, mass-produced fiberglass construction prevalent in the 1960s and 70s, often incorporating wood trim to add warmth to the interior. Detailed diagrams of the exact interior configurations are best sought through owner communities and historical reviews.

Owner's Perspectives

The Coronado 25 CB continues to foster an active community of owners who appreciate these classic fiberglass cruisers for their value and sailing characteristics. Owners frequently commend the boat's solid construction and its stable, comfortable motion at sea, which aligns with the brand's reputation for producing reliable cruising boats. The enduring appeal of the Coronado 25 CB stems from its role in introducing many to the joys of sailing.

However, ownership of a classic vessel often comes with common maintenance considerations. Recurring issues noted by owners include the potential for keel bolt and rudder problems, which may require attention over time. The centerboard mechanism itself can also be a point of maintenance, with mentions of "center board repair" by owners. Furthermore, integrating an outboard engine, common for this size and type of vessel, has sometimes presented challenges, with some owners noting difficulties in fully raising the outboard or quirky handling under power. Despite these typical considerations for older boats, the strong community and the fundamental soundness of the Coronado 25 CB make it a cherished vessel for many.