Elite 25 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Elite 25 behaves with the agility of a racing dinghy but possesses the stability required for coastal passages. The hull features a relatively flat bottom and a fine entry, allowing it to plane in favorable conditions or high-wind reaches—a hallmark of Briand’s design philosophy. With a displacement-to-length ratio that leans toward the lighter side of the spectrum, the boat is exceptionally "weatherly," tacking through narrow angles and maintaining momentum in light air where heavier cruisers might stall.

The standard rig is a fractional sloop, which provides owners with significant control over mast bend and sail shape. This setup makes the boat highly adjustable for performance-oriented sailors. However, some owner anecdotes suggest that the boat can be "tender" (inclined to heel quickly) if over-canvassed, necessitating early reefing of the mainsail once the breeze exceeds 15 knots. The balanced spade rudder offers direct, communicative feedback to the helm, though it requires a steady hand in a following sea to prevent broaching.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel of 25 feet, the Elite 25 offers a remarkably functional interior that benefited from Kirié’s growing expertise in ergonomic space planning. The layout typically features a classic "V-berth" forward, which is surprisingly spacious due to the boat's generous beam relative to its length. Moving aft, the main salon consists of two longitudinal settees flanking a central table, providing enough seating for four adults.

A notable feature for a boat of this vintage and size is the inclusion of a dedicated, albeit compact, galley and a private head compartment—a luxury often sacrificed in 1980s performance designs. The use of light-colored woods and molded fiberglass liners helped the cabin feel airy and modern for its time. While there were few major factory variations of the 25, it served as the direct design ancestor to the Feeling 25, which shared its basic hull dimensions but featured a revised deck and interior treatment.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of an Elite 25 should approach an inspection with a focus on the structural longevity of early-generation French fiberglass.

• Deck Delamination: Like many boats of this era, the Elite 25 uses a balsa-cored deck. Soft spots are common around high-stress areas like the chainplates, stanchion bases, and the mast step. A thorough "tap test" with a phenolic hammer is essential.
• Keel-to-Hull Joint: Inspect the keel bolts and the surrounding fiberglass for "smile" cracks. While the Elite 25 is robust, grounding incidents can lead to structural weeping at the leading edge of the keel.
• Window Seals: The sleek, elongated side windows are a signature design element but are prone to UV degradation and leaking over decades. Re-bedding these windows is a common mid-life maintenance task.
• Rudder Bearings: The spade rudder is subject to significant leverage. Excessive play or "slop" in the helm often indicates that the rudder bearings (often Delrin or similar composite) require replacement.

The Verdict

The Elite 25 remains a highly sought-after model for sailors who prioritize sailing sensation and speed without completely abandoning the ability to spend a weekend at anchor. It is a "sailor’s boat" that rewards active trimming and careful helming.

Pros

• Exceptional Performance: Far out-sails most modern cruisers of a similar length, especially in light to moderate winds.
• Timeless Aesthetics: The Briand-designed lines have aged gracefully, avoiding the "boxy" look of later high-volume cruisers.
• Trailerability: Depending on the keel configuration and towing vehicle, it is within the realm of being a transportable pocket-cruiser.

Cons

• Initial Stability: The boat heels quickly, which may be intimidating for novice sailors or families used to heavier, stiffer hulls.
• Maintenance Intensive: As a performance boat from the 1980s, it requires a higher level of rigging and deck maintenance than a simple daysailer.
• Headroom: While the interior is well-laid out, full standing headroom is limited for taller individuals.