Santana 25-1 Information, Review, Specs

The boat encapsulates W.D. Schock's reputation for crafting accessible yet competitive fiberglass sailing vessels, embodying the builder's commitment to quality and forward-thinking design that characterized their output from their Newport Beach, California, facilities during that era.

The Santana 25-1 was produced by W.D. Schock from 1973 to 1977, emerging as a response to the burgeoning IOR Quarter Ton racing scene. Designed by W. Shad Turner, the primary goal for the Santana 25-1 was to offer a competitive platform within this popular racing division. W.D. Schock, known for its expertise in fiberglass construction and its history of building popular racing dinghies and cruisers, ensured the Santana 25-1 benefited from their robust manufacturing ethos.

During its production, the Santana 25 series saw variations. The Santana 25-1 has a specific hull type, characterized by a fin keel and a transom-hung rudder. It was later followed by the Santana 25-2, which featured a revised cabin top, deck design, and incorporated a lead keel, distinguishing it from the iron ballast and earlier deck molding of the 25-1.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Santana 25-1, with its masthead sloop rig, delivers a balanced and reasonably agile sailing performance. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 16.41, the boat is categorized as a moderate performer, suggesting it handles a range of wind conditions competently without being excessively light-air oriented or a heavy cruiser. Its Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 0.44 indicates a high percentage of ballast relative to its total weight, contributing significantly to its stiffness and stability, allowing it to stand up well to a breeze.

The Displacement to Length ratio, calculated at approximately 243.83, places the Santana 25-1 in the medium-heavy category for its length, implying a solid and somewhat traditional feel underway rather than a light, skittish racer. Despite its moderate displacement, the boat's fin keel and transom-hung rudder contribute to responsive handling, making it a capable vessel for both racing and spirited daysailing. Owners generally describe it as a stable and stiff boat with good performance for its size. Its hull speed is estimated at 5.92 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

As an IOR Quarter Ton racer, the Santana 25-1's interior accommodations are generally functional and designed to support its racing pedigree, rather than extensive long-term cruising comfort. While specific headroom and water tank capacities are not widely detailed in available specifications, it is typical for boats of this class and era to offer basic living amenities. Such layouts typically include V-berths forward for sleeping, a compact salon area, and often a basic galley and head, though specific configurations can vary. Given its design as a competitive racer, the focus would have been on lightweight construction and efficient use of space, prioritizing performance over lavish interior features.

Owner's Perspectives

While specific owner reviews detailing common issues or widespread praises solely for the Santana 25-1 are not extensively documented, the builder, W.D. Schock, earned a strong reputation for practical design, robust construction, and lasting build quality. This enduring quality means that many older W.D. Schock models, including those from the Santana series, remain popular in the used boat market. Owners of Schock-built boats generally benefit from the company's legacy of well-regarded fiberglass sailboats, contributing to their longevity and continued presence in sailing communities.