Coronado 25 CB Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Coronado 25 CB is characterized by a high ballast-to-displacement ratio—often cited near 50%—which provides a degree of stiffness and "big boat" feel that was revolutionary for its size in the late 1960s. Because the CB model utilizes a retractable centerboard housed within a shallow fixed keel, it offers a draft of approximately 2'6" with the board up, extending to 5'0" when fully deployed. This configuration allows the boat to track reasonably well upwind, though it lacks the ultimate pointing ability of its fixed-fin sibling.

In light air, the boat’s relatively heavy displacement (approximately 4,500 lbs) means it requires a significant amount of canvas to maintain momentum. However, once the breeze freshens to 10–15 knots, the hull’s generous beam and heavy ballast allow it to stand up to its sails effectively. According to historical technical notes archived by the Columbia Yacht Owners Association, which maintains records for Coronado due to their shared corporate parentage, the 25 was designed with a "masthead sloop" rig to maximize sail area for coastal cruising. Owners often report that the boat handles best when kept relatively upright; once the gunwale nears the water, the wide beam can cause the rudder to lose some effectiveness, leading to a tendency to round up.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The primary selling point of the Coronado 25 CB was its interior volume, which Frank Butler maximized by utilizing a high-volume "raised deck" or "flush deck" profile. This design provides surprising headroom—nearly 5'9" in some areas—which was unheard of in 25-foot boats of the era. The layout typically features a V-berth forward, a private head compartment (often equipped with a marine toilet or porta-potty), and a main salon with a dinette that converts into a double berth.

The Coronado 25 shares its hull and fundamental design with the Avalon 25, which was the earlier Wesco-branded version of the boat. While the internal structural components are largely identical, the Coronado-branded models often featured updated trim and more refined fiberglass liners. Another sibling to note is the standard Coronado 25 Fin Keel; while the interior layouts are the same, the CB version's trunk takes up a small amount of cabin floor space, though Butler’s design cleverly integrates this into the furniture to minimize the intrusion. The use of mahogany trim and vinyl headliners was standard, though many surviving examples have been modified or modernized by owners over the decades.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Coronado 25 CB should prioritize the inspection of the centerboard trunk and the pivot pin. Because these boats are now over 50 years old, the internal trunk can suffer from fiberglass delamination or fouling that prevents the board from moving freely. Unlike the fixed-keel version, the CB model requires a winch and cable system to operate; this hardware is a common failure point and should be checked for corrosion or fraying.

Another critical area is the deck core. Coronado used balsa or plywood coring in the decks, which is prone to rot if moisture penetrates through poorly bedded stanchions, cleats, or the mast step. Spongy sections of the deck or "brown water" weeping from the interior liner are red flags for delamination. Additionally, the early production models utilized an outboard motor well located in the cockpit. This well is convenient for docking but can drag in the water when the boat is heeled, and the seals around the well should be inspected for structural integrity to ensure the hull remains watertight.

Community & Resources

While Coronado Yachts as a manufacturer is defunct, the technical legacy of the boat is preserved through the Columbia Yacht Owners Association. Because the Whittaker Corporation merged the production and engineering of Coronado and Columbia in the late 1960s, many of the technical manuals, sail plans, and rigging specifications are cross-referenced within the Columbia archives. The "Coronado 25 Association" was once a thriving one-design group, and while it no longer maintains a standalone headquarters, active clusters of owners still share knowledge through regional sailing clubs on both the East and West coasts of the United States.

The Verdict

The Coronado 25 CB is a classic "entry-level" cruiser that remains a viable option for budget-conscious sailors who need shallow-water capability. It prioritizes interior living space and stability over raw racing speed, making it an excellent platform for coastal gunkholing or weekend family outings.

Pros:

• Exceptional Headroom: More vertical space than almost any other boat in the 25-foot vintage category.
• Stiff and Stable: High ballast ratio makes it a forgiving boat for novice sailors.
• Shallow Draft: The centerboard configuration allows access to anchorages and docks that fixed-keel boats cannot reach.

Cons:

• Aging Systems: Centerboard hardware and pivot pins require specialized maintenance.
• Deck Delamination: Common balsa core issues necessitate a careful pre-purchase survey.
• Average Pointing: Does not sail as close to the wind as modern fin-keel designs.