Friendship 25 TS Information, Review, Specs

Designed by the prolific Dutch naval architect Jacques De Ridder (also known as Jacobus de Ridder or Koos de Ridder), the Friendship 25 TS quickly became a notable entry in the trailerable sailboat market. Its design reflects Friendship Yachts' overarching philosophy of creating accessible, well-built vessels that provide both comfort and reliable performance for a wide range of sailors.

History and Design

The Friendship 25 TS began its production run in 1984, establishing itself as a contemporary small cruiser for its era. The design by Jacques De Ridder aimed to blend seaworthiness with the convenience of a trailerable package, a hallmark of the "TS" (trailer sailer) designation. Friendship Yachts, known for embracing fiberglass construction, utilized this durable and low-maintenance material for the hull and deck of the 25 TS,. This choice aligned with the shipyard's ethos of producing practical and sturdy sailboats that prioritize ease of handling and stability for cruising.

A key design feature contributing to its trailerable nature is the lifting keel (hefkiel) option, allowing for reduced draft during transport and when accessing shallow waters. While primarily known with a lifting keel, the Friendship 25 also had variations including fixed keel and keel-centerboard options, catering to different sailing preferences and operational depths. The length overall is 24.61 feet (7.50 meters), with some versions potentially extending slightly to 7.90 meters, indicating possible minor variations in bowsprits or other integrated features [6,.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Friendship 25 TS is rigged as a fractional sloop, a common and efficient setup for a boat of its size, offering good control and performance. Its fiberglass hull provides a solid and reliable platform for sailing [4,. With a reported sail area of 248 square feet, it carries a sensible amount of canvas for its displacement of 2866 lbs.

As a trailer sailer, the Friendship 25 TS is typically designed for manageable handling and stability, suitable for the coastal and lake environments it is often found in. While specific performance reviews for the 25 TS are limited in detail, the fractional rig suggests a boat that is likely responsive and well-balanced. One sailing characteristic noted is that it may benefit from a gennaker or spinnaker to optimize speed when sailing downwind. This implies a design that performs capably upwind and on a beam reach without additional sails. The lifting keel contributes to its versatility, allowing sailors to explore shallower anchorages while providing a decent keel profile for performance when lowered.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Friendship 25 TS is configured to maximize space within its 24-foot length, typical for a trailerable cruiser of its generation. While specific headroom figures are not consistently documented, the design would typically feature a V-berth forward, which often serves as the primary sleeping area. A compact saloon area usually includes settees that can double as additional berths, often arranged around a small table.

A basic galley and a dedicated head compartment are standard amenities for a cruiser of this size. The boat is equipped with a water capacity of 18 gallons, providing a reasonable supply for weekend trips or short cruises. Interior finishes of Friendship Yachts models from this era generally favored practical and durable materials, consistent with the builder's reputation for robust construction. Given its trailerable nature, designers often prioritize efficient use of space and practical storage solutions, making the Friendship 25 TS a functional base for its crew.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Friendship Yachts, including the 25 TS, often praise the brand for its sturdy construction and practical design, qualities consistent with the builder's long-standing reputation. The existence of dedicated owner forums and communities, such as the Friendship Club in the Netherlands, suggests a loyal following and active discussion among those who own these boats. These forums often serve as a valuable resource for discussing build years, maintenance, and shared experiences. Owners generally appreciate the forgiving sailing characteristics and robust build quality that characterize Friendship vessels, making them enduring presences in the used boat market.