Tomahawk 25 Information, Review, Specs

The Tomahawk 25 entered production in 1970, a key period for Marine Construction Ltd., which operated from 1964 until its closure in 1979. Marcon, founded by Eric White, was known for pioneering fiberglass boat production and building solidly constructed, traditionally styled small yachts focused on seaworthiness and practicality. The Tomahawk 25, much like its popular predecessor the Trident 24, embodied this ethos, with the company emphasizing durable fiberglass solid hull and deck construction.

A distinctive aspect of the Tomahawk 25's history is its availability as a home-completion project. Many boats were sold as mouldings or complete kits, allowing owners to undertake the fit-out themselves. This approach fostered a strong community and meant that interior layouts could vary significantly based on the owner's individual needs and craftsmanship. The model also featured a significant design variation: roughly half of the 300 units built were delivered with bilge keels, offering a shallower draft of 3.0 feet compared to the fin keel version's 4.67 feet. Various inboard engines were fitted over its production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of just over 25 feet (25.33 ft) and a waterline length of 20 feet, the Tomahawk 25 is characterized by a moderate displacement of 5,066 pounds. Its sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 14.68 suggests a vessel designed for comfortable cruising rather than outright light-air racing performance, placing it in the category of a moderate to heavy cruiser. However, owners have described it as a "small fast cruising yacht" and some have found it to be "fast and close-winded".

The boat's ballast to displacement ratio stands at a healthy 0.434 (2,200 lbs of ballast for 5,066 lbs displacement), indicating a stiff and stable boat capable of standing up to a good breeze and offering a good righting capability if capsized. Its displacement to length ratio of approximately 282.6 categorizes it as a moderate to heavy displacement vessel, contributing to a comfortable motion in a seaway. While the fin keel version, with its deeper draft, generally offers better upwind performance, the bilge keel variant provides the advantage of drying out upright, though some suggest it might be "quite sluggish by today's standards". Overall, the Tomahawk 25 is regarded as a stable, capable, and seaworthy sailboat.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Tomahawk 25 was designed for comfortable living, typically featuring a semi-open plan layout with five berths. Many examples offer around 5 feet 10 inches of headroom, which is generous for a boat of this size from its era. The internal layout often consists of two cabins, providing sleeping arrangements for up to five adults.

Due to the kit-boat option, interior finishes and specific arrangements can vary considerably from one vessel to another, reflecting the individual choices of their original owners. Common amenities found in well-equipped Tomahawk 25s include a gas stove and a marine toilet. Owners often praise the roomy interior, making it a popular choice for those seeking a capable first boat or a compact cruiser with ample living space for its size.

Owner's Perspectives

The Marcon Tomahawk 25 benefits from an active and dedicated owner community, epitomized by the Tomahawk Owners Association. Owners consistently laud the boat's solid construction and its ability to handle various conditions, describing it as a "solid and capable" vessel. Many appreciate its "roomy interior" and find it to be a "great first boat". Anecdotal reports highlight its performance, with some owners noting that their Tomahawk 25s are "fast and close-winded" and "consistently beat newer 25-footers".

Common aspects discussed by owners often revolve around maintenance and upgrades of systems like electrical wiring, water tanks, and headlinings, reflecting the age of these vessels. While specific widespread weaknesses are not extensively documented beyond the general aging of components, the existence of both fin and bilge keel versions means potential owners often weigh the trade-offs between shallower draft and ultimate sailing performance. Many owners express a strong affection for their Tomahawk 25s, often describing them as "well maintained and much loved".