Fisher 25 MS Information, Review, Specs

As the pioneering model from Fairways Marine, and later built by Northshore Yachts and other manufacturers, the Fisher 25 MS established the benchmark for the motorsailer genre. It is celebrated for its ability to navigate diverse conditions, from tranquil coastal waters to more challenging seas, providing a secure and warm refuge for its crew.

History and Design

The story of the Fisher 25 MS began in 1974, marking the entry of Fairways Marine into the yacht building scene with this innovative design. Naval architects David Freeman and Gordon Wyatt developed the Fisher range with a core philosophy centered on creating exceptionally seaworthy vessels, drawing inspiration from traditional fishing boat designs to ensure robust hull forms. Their goal was to produce a yacht that genuinely blended the best attributes of both sailing and motor cruising, specifically optimized for comfortable passage-making, particularly in the often-demanding Northern European waters.

Throughout its production, which continued under Northshore Yachts from 1981, the manufacturing ethos remained consistent: prioritize quality and robust construction. The Fisher 25 MS was built with solid fiberglass hulls and decks, ensuring durability and strength while retaining a classic aesthetic. While the design remained largely consistent, the Fisher 25 MS was offered with either a masthead sloop or ketch rig, providing flexibility to owners. Additionally, various engine options were available, including the standard Yanmar 27 hp, an 18 hp Yanmar, or a Volvo Penta MD28, catering to different propulsion preferences, 11, 13]. Despite variations in rigging and engine, the fundamental design, centered on a secure pilothouse and a deep, forgiving hull, remained steadfast throughout its production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Fisher 25 MS is unequivocally designed as a motorsailer, a fact clearly reflected in its performance characteristics. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 8.01, she is not intended for high-performance sailing in light airs, but rather to be comfortably propelled by her engine, with sails providing stability and auxiliary drive. Her ballast to displacement ratio, an impressive 0.47, indicates a highly stable and stiff boat, capable of standing up to significant wind and maintaining an upright stance even in boisterous conditions. Further underscoring her robust nature is an exceptionally high displacement to length ratio of around 485.8, categorizing her as a very heavy displacement vessel for her 25.23-foot length overall.

This combination of ratios translates into a sailing experience that prioritizes comfort and security over speed. The Fisher 25 MS is celebrated as a "stout little ship" and a "take-anything cruiser" that handles capably in various sea states. Owners describe her as a "character boat for cruising under sail and motor, regardless of the weather," emphasizing her comfortable and seaworthy nature. While not a speed demon, she is known to "tram along happily" under a reduced sail plan, providing a stable and predictable motion. Her long keel and transom-hung rudder contribute to excellent directional stability, making her easy to steer and forgiving in a seaway. However, some owners note that older sails and fixed propellers can limit her pure sailing performance, suggesting that a well-maintained rig and appropriate propeller are key to optimizing her under sail.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Fisher 25 MS is designed for maximum comfort and practicality within its compact length, distinguishing itself with a notable pilothouse that serves as a sheltered living and helm station. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the design allows for generous volume forward, with descriptions noting "bluff bows contain a spacious, two-berth cabin". The interior typically features joinery crafted from teak, providing a classic and warm maritime ambiance.

The layout generally includes a forward V-berth cabin, followed by a head compartment. The main salon often incorporates the galley and seating area, which can convert into additional berths. A key feature is the enclosed pilothouse, providing an inside steering position with excellent visibility, making it ideal for cruising in adverse weather or extending the sailing season. Owners appreciate the practical design which incorporates minimal interior mouldings, with bulkheads bonded directly to the hull for strength and efficient use of space. Storage is ample for a boat of this size, and the design often incorporates numerous opening ports and hatches to ensure good ventilation when conditions allow. Some models may have specific structural elements like a mast compression post within the interior layout.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Fisher 25 MS consistently praise its solid construction and comfortable motion in a seaway, often describing it as a truly go-anywhere vessel for its size, 5, 6]. The enclosed pilothouse is a particularly valued feature, providing superb protection and visibility, which significantly enhances comfort during extended cruising or in less-than-ideal weather. Its robust nature and forgiving handling characteristics make it a popular choice for couples or small families seeking a secure and dependable cruising platform.

However, like any vessel of its age, the Fisher 25 MS can present some common maintenance challenges. A recurring issue noted by some owners involves leaks around deck fittings, which can lead to rot in main bulkheads where they meet the deck if not addressed promptly. Furthermore, owners occasionally mention issues with the mast compression post, which may require attention over time. While the boat's sailing performance is generally considered adequate for its motorsailer designation, some owners with older boats fitted with original sails and fixed propellers may find its light-wind performance to be limited, suggesting these areas as potential upgrades for those desiring better sailing characteristics. Despite these common points, the enduring appeal and active owner community underscore the Fisher 25 MS's reputation as a cherished and capable cruiser.