Sunrider 25 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Sunrider 25 can be traced back to the Searider 25, with production commencing in 1970. The boat's hulls were famously molded by Tyler Boat Co. Ltd., a company that played a pivotal role in the widespread adoption of fiberglass in yacht construction by supplying quality GRP hulls to numerous finishers worldwide. 2, 5, Builder Article Edward Tyler's company was known for its robust fiberglass (GRP) construction, providing durable foundations for many successful yacht designs.

The designer, Leslie H. James, aimed for a comfortable and capable small cruiser, emphasizing a hull design that was considered "speedy" for its class, despite its primary role as a cruiser rather than a racer. Notably, a twin (bilge) keel version of the Sunrider 25 was also available, offering a reduced draft of 3 feet compared to the standard fin keel's 4 feet, providing versatility for shallower waters. The Sunrider 25 shared its hull basis with the earlier Searider 24, indicating a lineage of proven design. Production of these Tyler-molded boats continued for a period, with Tyler Boat Co. Ltd. ceasing its own boatbuilding operations after 1978.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Sunrider 25 is characterized by a design that prioritizes stability and comfortable cruising. With a displacement of 5,200 lbs and a length on waterline of 21.0 feet, the boat's displacement-to-length ratio (D/L) of approximately 250.6 places it firmly in the medium-heavy cruiser category. This suggests a vessel with a steady motion, capable of handling various sea states with comfort rather than emphasizing pure speed.

Its ballast-to-displacement ratio of 0.461 is relatively high, indicating good initial stability and stiffness. This high ballast ratio means the Sunrider 25 is designed to stand up well to a breeze, resisting heeling and providing a secure feel for its crew. The sail area-to-displacement ratio (SA/D) of around 15.74 suggests that while she might not excel in light air conditions, she is well-powered for her cruising intentions and will be manageable as the wind builds. Reviews have noted the Sunrider 25 as being significantly more comfortable than many similar sailboat designs and praise the designer's choice of a relatively narrow yet "speedy hull design" for its type. The masthead sloop rig provides a straightforward and efficient sail plan.

Accommodations and Layout

Details regarding the interior accommodations and layout of the Sunrider 25, which has a length overall of 25 feet and a beam of 7.75 feet, are not extensively documented in widely available information. Specific maximum headroom figures are not provided in the detailed specifications. However, typical for a vessel of this size and era, the interior would likely feature a V-berth forward, a compact salon area with settees that could serve as berths, a small galley, and a marine head. Owners often describe boats of this lineage as offering a surprising amount of interior volume for their length.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Sunrider 25 (and its original moniker, the Searider 25) often form a dedicated community, seeking out fellow enthusiasts in forums. Many boats in this series have demonstrated remarkable longevity, with some Searider 25s from the late 1960s still retaining their original engines, such as the Perkins 4107 diesel. This speaks to the enduring quality of the hull construction by Tyler Boat Co. Ltd. and the overall robust design. Owners appreciate the solid construction and reliable performance of these classic small cruisers.