Northern 25 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The story of the Northern 25 begins in 1970, when Northern Yachts Ltd. commenced its production. While its original design lineage can be traced back to Philip Rhodes and a previous iteration as the O'Day Outlaw, Dennis Furnis was instrumental in adapting and refining the design to create the Northern 25 as a dedicated cruiser. Northern Yachts, under Furnis's vision, prioritized solid construction over mass production, producing approximately seven boats annually at their peak. Throughout its production run, the Northern 25 underwent at least three distinct design iterations. Notably, the Mark III version, a later evolution, incorporated enhancements such as increased displacement, more freeboard, and greater interior cabin volume and headroom, showcasing a continuous effort to refine the model based on user experience. Most production Northern 25s were delivered with reliable inboard Yanmar diesel engines, reflecting their cruising intent.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 25.25 feet and a waterline length of 19.25 feet, the Northern 25 presents as a compact yet substantial vessel. Its design characteristics lend themselves to a stable and predictable sailing experience rather than high-performance racing. The boat boasts a high ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 0.45 (45%), indicating a stiff and stable hull capable of standing up well to a breeze and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. This substantial ballast, combined with a displacement of 5,100 lbs, contributes to a displacement-to-length ratio of about 319, which firmly places it in the category of a heavier, more traditional cruiser. While its sail area to displacement ratio of roughly 16.17 suggests it may not be the nimblest performer in very light winds, it is well-suited for comfortable coastal cruising where stability and solid handling are prioritized. The Northern 25 features a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, contributing to its directional stability.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length, the Northern 25 is known for a surprisingly spacious interior, achieved in part by its high coach house. The typical interior arrangement often features a dinette layout in the main saloon, with the galley conveniently positioned forward on the starboard side. Owners could also opt for a settee configuration, providing flexibility in the cabin arrangement. The design prioritizes volume and offers practical storage solutions throughout the cabin. The Mark III variant further enhanced the living space with increased cabin volume and improved headroom, making the interior even more comfortable for extended stays aboard. The boat's design also accommodated an inboard engine, typically a Yanmar diesel, which would be centrally located for propulsion.