Itchen Ferry 25 Information, Review, Specs

The Itchen Ferry 25 began production in 1973 under Peter Webster Ltd., a company that was at the forefront of the transition from traditional timber to Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) construction in the UK during the mid-1960s to mid-1970s. Peter Webster Ltd., operating from the Ropewalk Boat Yard in Lymington, Hampshire, established a reputation for building high-quality, durable sailing yachts. Their manufacturing ethos during this era emphasized robust build quality and meticulous craftsmanship, resulting in "over-engineered" boats designed for longevity.

The design philosophy behind the Itchen Ferry 25 was rooted in its namesake, the traditional Itchen Ferry. These wooden gaff-rigged cutters served as working boats for fishing and ferrying in demanding conditions, built specifically for rough seas. Designer G. Drummond-Bayne translated these characteristics into the fiberglass 25-foot iteration, maintaining the long-keeled hull form that provides directional stability and a comfortable motion. While the original working boats were often gaff-rigged, the fiberglass Itchen Ferry 25 was typically rigged as a masthead sloop. Production of the Itchen Ferry 25 likely continued until Peter Webster Ltd. ceased operations around 1976, marking it as a product of this transformative period in British yacht building.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Itchen Ferry 25's design ratios underscore its character as a sturdy, forgiving cruiser rather than a high-performance racer. With a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 230, she falls into the category of a moderately heavy displacement vessel, indicating a solid build and comfortable motion through water. Her exceptionally high Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of around 53.6% is a clear indicator of impressive stiffness and stability, allowing her to stand up to a good breeze and maintain a more upright stance in strong winds.

Conversely, the reported Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 8.54 is notably low for a cruising sailboat, which typically range from 10-15. This suggests that while robust and stable, the Itchen Ferry 25 is conservatively rigged and may exhibit more modest performance in lighter wind conditions. This characteristic aligns with its heritage as a working boat built for resilience in adverse weather, where a smaller, more easily managed sail plan is advantageous. Owners have generally praised Itchen Ferry boats for their good handling under sail, often highlighting their predictable behavior and reliable tracking due to their full keel. The hull speed is calculated at 6.43 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the specific interior layout and maximum headroom of the Itchen Ferry 25 is not extensively detailed in readily available specifications. However, given its overall length of 25 feet and its traditional cruising design, the interior is typically functional and straightforward. Common for boats of this size and era, the layout would likely feature a V-berth forward, a compact salon with settee berths, and a small galley area, potentially with a single burner stove and a sink. A marine head would typically be located forward or within the main cabin. While specific storage solutions and ventilation details vary, the emphasis would have been on practicality for coastal cruising. Owners often find the interior to be cozy and serviceable, if not overtly spacious, reflecting its focus on offshore capability and solid construction.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Itchen Ferry 25 often highlight the boat's solid construction and seaworthiness as primary strengths, echoing the robust build quality instilled by Peter Webster Ltd. The traditional long-keel design is frequently cited for providing a comfortable motion in a seaway and excellent directional stability, contributing to a reassuring sailing experience. The high ballast ratio also contributes to a stable and stiff platform, instilling confidence when sailing in heavier weather. While specific forums dedicated solely to the Itchen Ferry 25 are less prominent than for other models, discussions among owners underscore a strong sense of community and a shared appreciation for these characterful and dependable vessels. Common issues are not widely reported, suggesting that the fundamental construction holds up well over time, with maintenance typically focused on aging systems rather than inherent design flaws.