Peterson 25 1/4 Ton Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Peterson 25 1/4 Ton dates back to 1973, marking the beginning of its production by Carl Eichenlaub at a Midwest factory. The very first of these Doug Peterson-designed 1/4 tonners was named 'El Principio'. Doug Peterson, who rose to prominence in the yacht design world with his groundbreaking One Tonner Ganbare in 1973, approached design with a philosophy that balanced pragmatic performance goals with an eye toward a yacht's enduring legacy. His designs were often characterized by their winning capabilities in competitive racing circuits.

Carl Eichenlaub, a celebrated figure in competitive sailing and boatbuilding, brought his meticulous craftsmanship and innovative techniques to the construction of the Peterson 25 1/4 Ton. Eichenlaub Boat Co. was renowned for producing "winning boats," emphasizing lightweight yet robust construction, a hallmark of their work that allowed them to translate the demands of elite racers into highly optimized hull forms. Eichenlaub's long tenure as the US Olympic Sailing Team shipwright from 1976 to 2004 further underscores his commitment to high-performance yacht preparation.

While the original production run by Eichenlaub for this specific model was limited, the Peterson 25 1/4 Ton's design proved highly influential and was subsequently licensed and built by various other companies under different names. These included models from Posiedon Marine, Chita Inc. of Japan, Bayliner (as the US 25), Stephenson Marine (as the Seaway 25), and Navimor of Poland (as the Conrad 560), some of which were also available as kits. This proliferation attests to the fundamental soundness and competitive potential of Peterson's original 1/4 Ton concept.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Peterson 25 1/4 Ton, with a length overall of 25 feet and a waterline length of 20.25 feet, was designed for agility and speed within its racing class. Its performance characteristics can be inferred from its design ratios. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of approximately 14.9, the boat generally requires a decent breeze to truly come alive and perform optimally, suggesting it might not be a strong performer in very light air.

However, its Ballast to Displacement (Bal/Disp) ratio of around 40.4% indicates a well-ballasted design, contributing to good stiffness and stability when sailing in more demanding conditions. This allows the boat to stand up to its canvas and maintain a better angle of heel under pressure, which is crucial for racing. The Displacement to Length (Disp/LWL) ratio of approximately 252.6 places it in the moderate displacement category, balancing the need for speed with a degree of structural integrity and comfort typical of a cruiser/racer of its size and era. The boat's fin keel and spade rudder configuration are typical of performance-oriented designs, providing responsiveness and control, contributing to its reported hull speed of 6.03 knots. Owners have generally described it as a "nice boat to sail".

Accommodations and Layout

Given its primary role as a 1/4 Ton racer, the Peterson 25 1/4 Ton's interior accommodations are best described as functional and "camp-style," designed to maximize racing performance rather than luxurious cruising comfort. Interior details for this specific model are limited in available data, but typical 1/4 tonners of the 1970s prioritized lightweight construction and an open layout to reduce weight and facilitate sail handling. While specific headroom figures are not provided, it is generally understood that such a compact racing design would offer minimal standing headroom, likely only in a small area beneath the companionway.

The layout would typically include a V-berth forward, a basic marine head (often without a dedicated compartment), and a simple salon area with settees that could double as berths. Galley facilities, if present, would be rudimentary, likely comprising a sink and possibly a portable stove. Storage would be modest, focused on essential gear and provisions for short periods. The construction materials would primarily be fiberglass for the hull and deck, with interior finishes likely emphasizing practical, durable surfaces, possibly with some wood trim to soften the racing aesthetic. Ventilation would typically be provided by a forward hatch and the main companionway. The emphasis was on simplicity and ease of maintenance, reflecting its competitive purpose rather than extended liveaboard comfort.