EM 25 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The production of the EM 25 commenced in 1972 under the guidance of Ernesto Quaranta, an architect and engineer who founded SIBMA Navale Italiana in 1962. Quaranta's vision for the shipyard, initially based in Turin before relocating to Dolcedo, Italy, was centered on building boats using plywood, a material conducive to specific construction techniques, including the "chined" hull form that became a hallmark of early SIBMA vessels., 10] The EM 25, alongside models like the EM 24, was one of these plywood designs conceived directly by Quaranta, establishing SIBMA's name in the sailing community. While the exact end year of its production is not specified, it is known that SIBMA models, including the EM 25, were often sold in kit form, allowing owners to participate in the construction process., 9] This approach offered advantages in construction efficiency and performance characteristics for certain designs.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a monohull of 25.2 feet (7.7 meters) in length overall, the SIBMA EM 25 was designed as a cabin cruiser. Built with a fiberglass-plywood core hull and a fin keel, it features a transom-hung rudder, suggesting straightforward handling characteristics for a boat of its size. The reported sail area of 291 square feet indicates it was adequately powered for coastal cruising, providing a balance of ease of handling and reasonable performance in varied conditions. Its displacement of 2,425 pounds, coupled with 1,036 pounds of ballast, would contribute to a stable and predictable motion in a seaway, suitable for its intended use as a recreational cruiser.

Accommodations and Layout

Detailed interior layouts and specific accommodation features for the SIBMA EM 25 are not extensively documented in widely available resources, likely due to its age and the practice of selling models in kit form, which could lead to variations in owner-finished interiors. However, as a 25-foot cabin cruiser, the EM 25 would typically feature a basic but functional layout aimed at providing essential amenities for overnighting and weekend cruising. This would generally include a forward V-berth for sleeping, a small main salon area for seating, and potentially a compact galley for food preparation and a basic head. The use of fiberglass with a plywood core for the deck and hull, consistent with SIBMA's early construction methods, would have provided a durable and relatively easy-to-maintain interior structure, with finishes often left to the owner's discretion for kit-built versions.

Owner's Perspectives

Information regarding specific owner perspectives on the SIBMA EM 25 is limited. However, the general reputation of SIBMA Navale Italiana, particularly during the era of the EM 25's production, was built on its expertise in wooden boat construction, especially plywood chined craft. Owners of SIBMA boats often appreciate the classic craftsmanship and the enduring quality associated with wooden vessels from the yard. The possibility of the EM 25 being sold as a kit suggests a community of owners who were engaged in the construction or customization of their boats, fostering a unique connection to their vessel. Some discussions among enthusiasts indicate that Ernesto Quaranta himself was approachable for information regarding his designs.